Several major changes to the Laws of the Game will affect English football from the 2026/27 season, with the new measures largely aimed at reducing time-wasting, improving the flow of matches and discouraging tactical delays.
Among the key changes are stricter rules for goal-kicks, throw-ins, substitutions, injury treatment and goalkeeper delays, while the scope of Video Assistant Referee intervention has also been expanded.
Goal-kicks and throw-ins
Referees will have the option of starting a visible five-second countdown when a player deliberately delays a restart.
Players who take too long to take a throw-in can see possession awarded to the opposing team, while goalkeepers who excessively delay taking a goal-kick could concede a corner.
No more towels for throw-ins
Players will no longer be permitted to use towels to dry the ball before taking throw-ins.
The change is part of the wider effort to prevent unnecessary delays during restarts.
Stricter substitution rules
Substituted players will be required to leave the pitch within 10 seconds and use the nearest point of the touchline or goal line.
A player who deliberately takes longer could see their replacement prevented from entering for at least one minute, meaning their team would temporarily play with 10 men.
New injury-time measures
Players whose actions result in the referee stopping the match for an injury will generally be required to leave the field for one minute before returning.
However, exemptions will apply in certain circumstances, including situations where an opposing player receives a yellow or red card for the incident.
Goalkeeper ‘tactical timeouts’ targeted
Goalkeepers will also face stricter rules when requesting treatment.
Where a goalkeeper receives treatment without falling under one of the specified exemptions, an outfield player from the same team will have to leave the pitch for one minute.
The measure is designed to prevent teams from using apparent goalkeeper injuries as an opportunity to hold tactical discussions.
Handball after goal-kicks
A goal-kick will be considered officially taken once the goalkeeper or defender kicks the ball.
If a defender subsequently handles the ball inside the penalty area, the referee can award a penalty.
VAR gets wider powers
The use of VAR will also be expanded.
VAR officials will be able to review a second yellow-card offence when it results in a player being sent off.
VAR can also intervene in certain attacking fouls committed before a set-piece is taken if the incident subsequently leads directly to a goal, penalty or disciplinary action.
The changes are expected to place greater emphasis on quick restarts and continuous play while giving referees additional tools to deal with deliberate delays and tactical manipulation of the game.
Advertisement