Five seconds for throw-in: Premier League's new rules for 2026/27 season

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- The Premier League has introduced several rule changes for the 2026/27 season aimed at reducing time-wasting during matches

- Injured players treated on the pitch must now remain off the field for at least one full minute after play restarts, doubling the previous rule

- Referees received new powers to switch possession if teams delay throw-ins or goal-kicks beyond a five-second countdown

The Premier League has announced a series of rule changes for the 2026/27 season, targeting time-wasting tactics that have long frustrated fans and disrupted the flow of matches.

What are the new rules for Premier League 2026/27?

The most significant update concerns players who receive on-pitch treatment.

Under the new regulations, any player treated on the field must remain off for a minimum of one full minute once play resumes.

The previous requirement stood at just 30 seconds. The change is designed to discourage teams from using minor injuries as a tactical device to disrupt an opponent's rhythm or run of play.

Substitutions are also subject to tighter controls.

A player leaving the pitch now has just 10 seconds to do so. Should they exceed that limit, the incoming substitute cannot enter the field until the next stoppage, and only after a full minute has elapsed.

A separate trial introduced for the new season targets goalkeeper injuries specifically.

When a keeper requires treatment, the head coach must immediately withdraw an outfield player from the pitch.

That player must then remain off for at least one minute after play restarts. Exceptions are in place where the goalkeeper was fouled or involved in a collision with an opposing player who also requires attention.

Referees have been equipped with additional authority to combat slow restarts.

When a team deliberately delays a throw-in or goal-kick, the official can initiate a visible five-second countdown. If the ball is not in play by the time the count expires, possession transfers to the opposing side.

A delayed throw-in is awarded to the other team from the same position on the touchline, while a delayed goal-kick results in a corner for the opposition.

VAR's scope has also been extended in one specific area. The system can now intervene when a player receives a second yellow card leading to a red, but only where the second booking was clearly incorrect.

VAR will not introduce a yellow card that was not originally shown by the referee.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.