English football is set for a number of rule changes when the 2026/27 season gets underway, with new measures designed to reduce time-wasting, improve player safety and make officiating more consistent.
The changes, which reflect updates to the Laws of the Game by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), will affect several aspects of matches, including injury treatment, restarts, physical challenges and the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR). UEFA has also backed the consistent application of the updated rules across European football.
Players Treated on the Pitch Must Stay Off for One Minute
One of the major changes concerns players who receive medical attention on the field.
Under the new approach, an outfield player who receives treatment must remain off the pitch for at least 60 seconds after play resumes.
The measure is intended to discourage players from using minor injuries to interrupt the flow of matches and deliberately slow down play.
New Procedure for Goalkeeper Injuries
Goalkeepers will also be subject to a specific procedure when they require treatment following an injury.
If play is stopped for a goalkeeper to receive medical attention, the team’s coach will be required to nominate an outfield player to temporarily leave the pitch.
If no player is nominated within the specified period, the captain will be required to leave the field temporarily.
Stricter Action Against Holding and Pulling
Referees are also expected to take a tougher approach to holding, pulling and wrestling during corners and other set-piece situations.
Defenders who use excessive physical contact to prevent attackers from competing for the ball could face stronger sanctions, including the possibility of a penalty being awarded.
The changes are intended to give referees greater consistency when dealing with physical contact inside the penalty area.
Five-Second Countdown for Delayed Restarts
Players will also face a stricter time limit when taking certain restarts.
Where a player deliberately delays a throw-in or goal kick, referees can enforce a five-second countdown.
Failure to restart within the allotted time can result in possession being transferred to the opposition. A delayed throw-in can be awarded to the opposing team, while a delayed goal kick can result in a corner for the opposition.
The broader objective is to reduce unnecessary delays and ensure that more time is spent with the ball in play. UEFA said the 2026/27 changes are designed partly to address time lost through goal kicks, throw-ins, substitutions and injuries.
Hair Pulling Could Lead to a Red Card
Another change concerns deliberate hair-pulling.
Players who deliberately pull an opponent’s hair with excessive force or brutality can receive a straight red card, while less serious offences may attract a yellow card.
Greater Protection for Goalkeepers
The revised interpretation also gives goalkeepers greater protection during crosses and set pieces.
Attackers who make unnecessary physical contact with a goalkeeper without making a genuine attempt to play the ball could be penalised.
VAR Changes
The updated VAR protocol will also allow video officials to intervene in certain situations involving a player who has incorrectly received a second yellow card resulting in a dismissal.
However, VAR will not be used to recommend a second yellow card where the original offence was simply missed by the referee. UEFA has emphasised that VAR should continue to focus on clear and obvious errors rather than repeatedly re-refereeing matches.
The new measures are expected to give referees clearer guidelines while helping to reduce unnecessary stoppages and improve the flow of matches throughout the 2026/27 campaign.
Thenewsbearer/Moy/Cyn
