We saw many fierce battles coming to an end this month in English football. Starting from an all English Champions League final confirmation to City rightfully claiming the throne for a consecutive second year. There’s no doubt that it’s been a great story so far. But as we all know, some stories are never meant to end. We will always have newer chapters in these stories.
Premier League is one such story which revamps when required. It is undoubtedly the most followed sporting league on earth. Almost every year, there are certain new rules enforced within the system. This season, with the assistance of the International Football Assistance Board (IFAB), the league is set to incorporate six new rules. Which means, from 1st June 2019, the Premier League community will have to adjust to a list of new rules.
Let us check the new rules & regulations:
Free Kick:
It is often noticed that an attacking player disturbs the wall which in return distracts the goalkeeper. Well, there’s good news for the goalkeepers. It is a relief for the guardians of the post to have knowledge about this new inclusion.
An attacking player will not be allowed to stand in front of the defensive wall. When a defensive wall of three to four players is constructed, an attacking player will not be permitted to stand within one meter. The change is imposed as the presence of an attacking player muddling the defensive wall is not considered to be within the “spirit of the game”.
Any attacking player found to disobey the rule will be penalised and the defending team will be rewarded with an indirect free kick. The prime idea behind this is to avoid the time-wasting and problems caused by players which at times result in a physical or verbal brawl.
Penalty:
By the way, not all rules are in favour of the keepers. Match officials will be much more strict when it comes to penalties. When the spot kick is taken, it is now necessary for the keeper to have at least part of one foot touching on or in line of the goal-line. Apart from that, keepers will also be prohibited from moving on the goal-line or from touching their goalposts.
"Allowing the goalkeeper to have only one foot touching the goal line (or, if jumping, in line with the goal line) when the penalty kick is taken is a more practical approach as it is easier to identify if both feet are not on the line," goes the IFAB's explanation.
Substitutions:
We have seen players wasting a lot of time when it comes to substitutions. In an attempt to reduce the amount of time wastage during the later stages of a match, players must leave from the nearest touchline point when substituted.
Apart from that, not only the players are supposed to be careful about time wastage during substitutions, they must ensure that they are found either in the technical area or the dressing room immediately after the substitution. Failing to do so might risk the player being sanctioned for unsporting behaviour.
Yellow & Red Cards for managers
For the first time during a game, it is to be noted that not only the players but the managers can also get penalised for testing the patience of an official. The rowdy managers now have to check themselves or trouble lies ahead of them. Managers will be directly punished with a red or yellow card for ill behaviour. Although, during the course of the event, if the person at fault is not identified, the senior coach will be the automated recipient.
Drop Balls
For a long time in the history of the game, the drop ball rule has been controversial. This season, the rule is revampled to giving the ball back to the team in possession. In the upcoming season, we won’t be seeing any drop ball situations, the ball will directly be given to the team in possession and if the game is stopped in the penalty area, the goalkeeper shall retain the ball.
Handballs
The handball rule in the attacking third has been revised. Goals will now not be given if the ball touches a player before crossing the line. If a player has accidentally handled the ball and created a chance to score, the opposition will be awarded a free-kick. Although this rule will still be a bit controversial, it is to be seen how it gets implemented.
Having all the aforementioned rules in mind, we have the big technology getting introduced in the Premier League. Yes, the upcoming season will have Video Assistant Referee’s (VAR) inclusion in English top division. This will further eliminate the faults and will assist in getting better clarity on the new initiatives.
