The Premier League has introduced several new rules for the 2026/27 season, with the changes mainly aimed at reducing time-wasting, improving the flow of matches and giving VAR a limited increase in authority.
The changes, announced by the Premier League, include new time limits for injured players, throw-ins, goal-kicks and substitutions.
Under the new rules, a player who receives treatment or an injury assessment on the pitch must remain outside the field for at least one minute before returning. This replaces the previous 30-second period used in the Premier League.
There will also be a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal-kicks when officials believe a player is deliberately delaying the restart. If the limit is exceeded, possession will change hands for a throw-in, while an opposing corner will be awarded following a delayed goal-kick.
Substituted players will now have 10 seconds to leave the pitch. If they take longer, their replacement will have to wait until the next stoppage after one minute has passed before entering.
Another major change concerns VAR. Video officials will now be able to review a clearly incorrect second yellow card when it results in a red card. However, VAR will not be used to review potential second-yellow-card offences.
The Premier League will also trial a new measure targeting goalkeeper injuries. When play is stopped because of a goalkeeper injury, the manager will have to nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch. That player must remain off the field for at least one minute after play resumes.
The trial is designed to prevent goalkeeper injuries from being used to slow the game or create opportunities for tactical instructions.
However, some changes seen during the 2026 FIFA World Cup will not be adopted. These include VAR reviews for incorrectly awarded corners and hydration breaks as a new standard rule.
The Premier League said the changes are part of efforts to reduce unnecessary delays and improve the overall match experience while maintaining a high threshold for VAR intervention.
