Premier League introduces major new rules to combat time-wasting

The 2026/27 English football season will feature several new laws designed to reduce time-wasting and increase playing time. According to BBC Sport, players will face stricter limits on goal-kicks, throw-ins and substitutions, while injured players must leave the pitch for one minute after treatment.

Goalkeepers who deliberately delay restarts could see opponents awarded a corner, while substituted players have 10 seconds to leave the field. A new trial will also target tactical goalkeeper injuries, potentially forcing teams to play with 10 men temporarily. VAR powers have also been expanded to cover certain second-yellow-card incidents and fouls before set-pieces.