Premier League unveils nine new rules for 2026/27 season

New regulations aim to cut time-wasting and boost ball-in-play time, but more VAR could frustrate fans.

What happened. The Premier League will introduce nine new rules for the 2026/27 season, including stricter time-wasting measures and increased VAR use, many tested at the World Cup.

• Rules aim to increase ball-in-play time, which rose at the World Cup.
• More VAR use may be controversial among fans.
• Season opener: Arsenal vs Coventry City.

The new rules will be in effect from the 2026/27 season opener, with fans and players adjusting.

In this story

Premier League

More to read

Mirror Football

Premier League kit rankings 2026-27 – Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool rated and slated

BBC Sport

Premier League predictions 2026-27: BBC Sport pundits pick their top four

Daily Mail Football

Roberto De Zerbi's revolution, four strikers aiming to join the 100-club and new rules to punish timewasting: Seven reasons to be excited about the return of the Premier League

Daily Mail Football

Premier League chief insists Man City's 115 charges saga is 'NOT top of the list' in conversations with rival clubs - and adds verdict will take 'as long as it takes'