VAR, timewasting and subs – new rules for the new season

The 2026-27 football season will introduce numerous new rules aimed at reducing timewasting and increasing the ball's time in play. These changes were first implemented at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but have faced confusion in earlier competitions. The rules will apply throughout English football, from grassroots to the Premier League, with only the video assistant referee (VAR) system remaining unchanged.

To cut down on time-wasting, a countdown will be introduced for goal-kicks and throw-ins. Players will not be allowed to delay the restart of play, and any disruption may trigger a countdown. If the countdown expires, the referee will award the throw to the opposing team. This rule does not cover set-piece routines but may start once players are in position. Goalkeepers will receive a corner instead of a throw if they take too long over goal-kicks towards the end of games.

Substituted players must now leave the field within ten seconds. If they fail to do so, they will be unable to re-enter the field for a minimum of one minute, and the team must play with ten players. This rule was enforced for the first time in the Carabao Cup between Middlesbrough and Wrexham, where Middlesbrough's Will Lankshear was issued a substitution warning for jogging off the pitch while clapping the fans.

The substitution time limit applies to all circumstances, with some exceptions for injured players or security concerns.

Other new laws include the removal of goalkeeper tactical timeouts, which are used to give new instructions or impact the momentum of the opposition. If a goalkeeper requests treatment, an outfield player chosen by the coach will leave the field for one minute. The rule also applies to other countries' trials, with some exemptions for fouled or bleeding goalkeepers. Handling the ball in the penalty area will also see changes, with teams encouraged to take a short goal-kick inside the box instead of punting it long.