The Premier League applies four match-law changes in 2026/27: a player treated on the pitch must leave for at least one minute, delaying a throw-in or goal kick triggers a countdown, a substituted player has 10 seconds to go off, and a second yellow that becomes a red can be reviewed by VAR.
Law changes in force this season
Here are the match-law changes in force this season.
| Change | What happens |
|---|---|
| On-field injury treatment | The player must leave the field for at least one minute |
| Delaying a throw-in | After a five-second countdown the throw-in goes to the other team |
| Delaying a goal kick | After a five-second countdown the other team is awarded a corner |
| Leaving the field when substituted | Ten seconds, or the substitute waits until the first stoppage after one minute |
| Second yellow card | Can be reviewed by VAR once it has been awarded |
The Premier League is not using the optional laws. That includes the option to widen VAR reviews to corners that were awarded incorrectly.
How the time controls work
If a player receives treatment or an assessment on the field, that player must then spend at least one minute off it.
Throw-ins and goal kicks now share a five-second countdown when a player is clearly delaying. The outcomes are different: the throw-in goes to the other side, while a delayed goal kick gives the other side a corner.
Substitutions also have a firmer exit rule. A player going off has 10 seconds to leave the field, and if that time is missed, the replacement must wait until the first stoppage after one minute has passed.
Refereeing priorities alongside the rule changes
The season also comes with a set of refereeing priorities. Handball is being handled with a less-is-more approach, holding offences are meant to be identified better, challenges on goalkeepers are under greater focus, and actions intended to deceive the referee are to be treated firmly.
Hair-pulling has a defined sanction split. A clear and deliberate action with excessive force or brutality brings a red card; if there is no excessive force or brutality, the sanction is a yellow card.
These priorities come out of the annual Premier League Football Survey. Its respondents include club owners, chief executives, managers, players, referees and supporters, and the points are then discussed with clubs and the referees body through the Game Improvement Advisory Group, introduced in 2023.
FAQ
What are the main rule changes in the Premier League this season?
There are four match-law changes in force, plus a separate set of refereeing priorities. The law changes cover on-field treatment, a five-second countdown on delayed throw-ins and goal kicks, leaving the field after being substituted, and VAR review of a second yellow that has already led to a red card.
What is the five-second rule for throw-ins?
If a player is clearly delaying a throw-in, a five-second countdown applies. Once that time is exceeded, the throw-in is given to the other team.
How long does a substituted player have to leave the field?
A substituted player has 10 seconds to go off. If that does not happen, the replacement cannot enter until the first stoppage after one minute has passed.
Can a second yellow card be reviewed by VAR?
Yes, but only after the second yellow has been awarded and has turned into a red card. It does not cover a possible second yellow that the referee has not shown.