The 2026-27 football season will see an unprecedented number of new laws implemented across English football, from the Premier League down to Sunday league. These changes, which were initially trialled at the World Cup, are primarily intended to tackle tempo disruption and make games quicker.
Among the new regulations are countdowns for goal-kicks and throw-ins. Referees will signal a five-second countdown for players to restart play, with failure to do so resulting in the throw going to the opposing team or, for goalkeepers, a corner being awarded.
Substituted players will now have 10 seconds to leave the field at the nearest point. If they fail to do so, the substitute cannot enter the field for at least one minute, leaving the team with 10 players. Middlesbrough's Will Lankshear was reportedly penalised under this rule in a recent Carabao Cup tie.
Players who cause the referee to stop the game due to injury must now leave the field for one minute, an increase from the previous 30 seconds. This rule aims to prevent players from disrupting the opposition's momentum, with some exceptions for fouls resulting in a yellow or red card.
A new trial will also be adopted across English professional football to address 'goalkeeper tactical timeouts'. If a goalkeeper requests treatment, an outfield player chosen by the coach must leave the field for one minute. There will also be a consistent approach to handling the ball in the penalty area after a goal-kick, with any touch by a defender now resulting in a penalty or indirect free-kick.
Additionally, VAR will now be able to review the second caution for players who are shown a red card, but not potential second bookings for players already on a yellow card.