Premier League changes: long setups, less room for protests

Qatar-like setup, as few interruptions as possible and making the referees’ job easier. These are the key points in the changes to the approach to the new Premier League season. What will all be different in England from the new season?

If anything was criticised in England last year, it was the occasional mistakes made by assistant referees at VAR. But that will be unaffected by the new approach, the main aim for next season is to make the ball more in play.

Qatar’s setup

According to Sky Sports, the ball was in play for an average of 55 minutes per game. The Premier League is the most prestigious, most watched and highest quality competition in the world.

That’s why the aim is to take the example of the World Cup in Qatar, where they regularly set over ten minutes. Specifically, referees should focus more on time lost in goal celebrations, substitutions and direct kicks.

Less room for dissent

After last year’s incident involving Aleksandar Mitrovic, who received an eight-match suspension for a minor shove at a referee, penalties for shoving and unsporting behaviour will be reduced. Suspensions are still an option, but with a shorter stoppage time to follow.

At the same time, the Football Association wants to limit minor fouls so that there are as few stoppages as possible during which there is room for shoving. This is another step to help increase net time played.

You won’t be cursing at the referees!

As far as the referees are concerned, missed time is also to be reduced by eliminating player and coach debates with referees. If more than one member of the implementation team is in the coach’s restricted area, he/she will be immediately reprimanded with a yellow card.

The same applies to players. If a player other than the offending player comes up to the referee after a stoppage, he will be reprimanded immediately by the referee. When a whole bunch of malcontents get together, they can all get a yellow card.

Source: Premier League