The new Premier League season 2026-2027 starts today with the clash between reigning champions Arsenal and Coventry City, at 21:00. The new season also brings some important changes to the regulations, with the aim of speeding up the game and reducing delays during matches.
One of the main changes relates to throw-ins and throw-ins, where players will only have five seconds to act after the referee starts the countdown. If time is exceeded, the ball is passed to the opponent or a corner kick is awarded.
There are also changes for injuries. A player who goes off the field due to an injury must stay off the field for one minute, while there will be special measures for goalkeepers in cases where it is suspected that the injury is being used to buy time.
Substitutions will also be faster. If a player is more than 10 seconds late leaving the field, the substitute may be forced to wait an additional minute before entering.
Another important innovation is the expansion of the powers of VAR, which for the first time can intervene in cases related to a second yellow card, if a clear error by the referee has occurred.
The Premier League, however, will not apply the rule for covering the mouth with hands during communication nor the mandatory hydration breaks used in the 2026 World Cup.
