Every new Premier League rule for Man United and Man City

VAR change, offside law - Every new Premier League rule for Man United and Man City

The Premier League returns this weekend with Man City travelling to Wolves on Saturday and Manchester United hosting Arsenal on Sunday

We take a look all the new rule changes, what they entail, and how they'll all affect all the Premier League sides (Image: Getty Images)

Football fans will get a chance to see several new Premier League rules for the first time on Friday night when Liverpool take on Bournemouth. Anthony Taylor will oversee proceedings as the Reds welcome Andoni Iraola's side to Anfield on Friday evening, with Michael Oliver and Thomas Bramall monitoring the action from Stockley Park.

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Gary Beswick and Craig Taylor will assist on the sidelines in Merseyside, providing support to the on-field referee. Meanwhile, Farai Hallam will keep an eye on the dugout, liaising closely with the two head coaches in their respective technical areas.

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The Football Association and Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) faced significant criticism last season, with contentious decisions frequently making headlines. As such, Taylor has been tasked with enforcing the key law amendments.

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The referee, who hasn't taken charge of the opening match of a new English top-flight season since 2022, will face pressure to ensure the campaign begins smoothly. With that in mind, we take a look all the new rule changes, what they entail, and how they'll all affect all the Premier League sides including Manchester United and Manchester City this weekend.

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Captains assume crucial new role

This season, only team captains will be permitted to approach the referee during the 90 minutes of play. Yellow cards will be issued to those who do not have permission to speak to the referee or players who act disrespectfully.

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If the goalkeeper is wearing the armband, one outfield player can be nominated to liaise with the referee. It is a clear push to have minimal players communicating directly with the officials this season.

Eight-second rule for goalkeepers

This season, all Premier League goalkeepers, including Allison, will face penalties if they hold onto the ball for more than eight seconds. If a goalkeeper exceeds this time limit, with the on-field referee counting down the final five seconds of the eight-second restriction, a corner will be awarded to the opposing team.

This rule has been implemented to curb time-wasting. A similar regulation concerning the length of time goalkeepers could handle the ball was previously in place, but it was not strictly enforced.

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Introduction of new VAR protocol

The Premier League now has the option to instruct the on-field referee to make an announcement following a VAR 'review' or a lengthy VAR 'check'. This protocol, which involves declaring and explaining decisions to the spectators, was similarly enforced by on-field officials at the Club World Cup.

Adjustments to set-piece and offside rules

There have been minor modifications to several set-piece rules. If a player accidentally touches the ball twice when taking their penalty, they will be allowed to retake it.

However, this rule will only apply if their shot is successful.

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An indirect free-kick will be awarded if a player, substitute or coach off the pitch touches the ball before it goes out of play. A drop ball will be given to the team that did not touch the ball last before the game was stopped, so long as the referee believes said team would've retrieved possession.

Regarding offsides, this season, when the goalkeeper throws the ball, the last point of contact should be used for the purpose of determining an offside position. So, if Alisson were to start a counter-attack with a long throw, the officials – and VAR, if called upon – will review the pass from the moment it leaves his glove.

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