Foxes Trust representative, Steve Moulds, attended the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) pre-season briefing and can update supporters on the changes we can expect to see on the field this season.
There are few changes to the laws from International Football Association Board (IFAB) that have a practical impact on how matches are refereed this season. In practice we may see changes on the following:
Handball: not all touches on the hand or arm will be penalised, mitigation will be considered both on-field and by VAR. For example: proximity to the player kicking the ball; position of the arm; deflection onto the arm.
Penalty encroachment: will be penalised if impactful, for example, if an encroaching player has subsequent involvement in the scoring of a goal from a save or rebound.
Other headline messages:
- There will continue to be a ‘robust’ approach to on-field discipline and aggression towards refs.
- The FA has revised its powers on bringing the game into disrepute to include sanctions against those in the game who make public comments that call into question the reputation of refs, that are threatening, and cause reputational damage.
- Multi-ball system remains. Now there will be 15 match balls. Players must retrieve the original ball or one of these from cones placed around the ground, and not directly from the ball retrievers. Ball retrievers can return a ball to goal keepers.
- Effective Playing Time (EPT) regulations will see shorter time added on for goal celebrations. Referees remain the key timekeeper for a match.
VAR
VAR should not look to intervene if a subjective call is 50/50. IFAB are still preventing live audio feeds from refs or VAR during a match. Only post-match audio can be shared, as per the follow-up analysis broadcasts that began last season.
The PL have announced a new X channel that will provide supporters with live information on VAR decisions see: https://www.premierleague.com/news/4081343 Good luck getting the wifi to work during the game to watch it though…
Semi-automated offside technology (SOAT) will be implemented this season when ready. It is currently being tested and VAR have been trained. The PL will decide when to go live but there’s no date as yet.
More information; ‘What’s new for 2024/25: Changes to Laws of the Game’ See https://www.premierleague.com/news/4079568