The Premier League returns today and there are a few new things to get used to. From longer matches, to a clampdown on time-wasting and more bookings for bad behaviour.
The main changes on Premier League are the following:
Games are going to last a lot longer
We first saw it at the men’s World Cup in Qatar, and English football will experience matches reaching total clock time of 100 minutes.
The aim isn’t to have players running around nonstop for 90 minutes, but to get that effective playing time up.
There’s concern from some players about the additional workload this will present, and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has criticised the increased game time. But, for now, the majority of supporters seem to be in favour.
All you need to know about the Premier League changes, with input from Howard Webb:
– How more added time works
– Increase on last year of 3 mins
– Strict punishment for delaying restarts / timewasting
– Clampdown on referee disrespect
– Much more!https://t.co/6x1IjFOi1z— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) August 10, 2023
Clampdown on tactical time-wasting
As well as adding time lost through natural stoppages, Premier League will also take stronger action against time-wasting. Anyone who commits a clear and deliberate act to delay the restart of play, to waste time or try to achieve a tactical advantage will now be booked.
One example is the act of falling to the floor with an injury to slow down the pace of a game and frustrate the opposition, or to instigate a tactical break with a coach.
Now, any player who goes down must leave the field for treatment and stay off the field for a minimum of 30 seconds before being invited back on. It’s hoped the prospect of playing with 10 men for a short time will discourage it.
Teams to be punished for surrounding a referee
Last season, the English Football Association charged more clubs than ever before due to poor behaviour of players.
Now, a strict code of conduct will be applied, otherwise known as the Participant Charter. The aim is to stop copycat behaviour at all levels, and change the way players act towards officials.
Coaches will have to behave in the technical area
A new technical area code of conduct will require managers, coaches and other club staff members to behave in a responsible manner.
Only one member of coaching staff will be allowed to stand at the front of the technical area at a given time. If a second steps forward and starts issuing instructions, they will be booked.
