Premier League — Full list of new rules to be adopted in the upcoming season

Many of the changes that have been introduced were part of the rulebook in the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, while some of the changes will be in use for the first time in the Premier League. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

The Premier League on Monday announced a series of changes to the laws which are set to be implemented in the 2026-27 season.

Many of the changes that have been introduced were part of the rulebook in the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, while some of the changes will be in use for the first time in the Premier League.

Premier League 2026/27 New Rules

Injured players who go off

When play is stopped for an injury, the player will be required to leave for at least one minute (an increase from the 30 seconds previously used by the Premier League).

Delay of throw-ins and goal kicks

A “five-second” countdown and restart reversal for clearly delaying throw-ins and goal-kicks (if the time limit is exceeded, the throw-in is awarded to the opposing team; for a goal-kick the opposing team are awarded a corner).

Time limits for substitutions

A “10-second” time limit for players to leave the field when substituted. If the time limit is exceeded, the substitute cannot enter until the first stoppage after one minute has elapsed. 

VAR for second yellows

A VAR review for when second yellow cards are awarded to a player resulting in a red card (only for when players are awarded a clearly wrong second yellow card, rather than a potential second yellow card)

Goalkeeper tactical timeouts

 A trial will take place for the 2026/27 season where if the game is stopped for a goalkeeper injury, the manager or head coach will have to nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch immediately. The nominated player has to stay off the pitch for at least one minute after the restart of play 

Rules that will not be used in Premier League 2026/27

The Premier League does not intend to adopt IFAB’s competition optional laws, some of which were seen in this summer’s FIFA 2026 World Cup as well as other elements

These include:

VAR being able to review incorrectly awarded corners - the League is not opting to increase the VAR’s scope

Hydration breaks – The League already has a protocol in place for drinks breaks to take for matches where the temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius at kick-off

Red-card protocol around players covering their mouths – The League operates a three-step discrimination protocol in stadium for player-reported abuse

Mistaken identity, yellows being reversed for diving – As per the IFAB clarification a yellow card (caution) which is not a second yellow card can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the offence that was penalised; the offence itself cannot be reviewed/changed