Premier League Announces New Rules for 2024/25 Season

Key Changes:

1. Substitutes and Warm-Up Regulations:
   • Teams will continue to be allowed five substitutions per match, a rule that started in the previous season. However, the number of substitute players allowed to warm up at the same time on the pitch perimeter has been increased from three to five, reflecting the increased number of in-game substitutions.
2. Multiball System:
   • A new multiball system will be implemented, with 15 balls in play to ensure the game progresses more swiftly. Players will now collect the nearest available ball from cones placed around the pitch when the match ball goes out of play and is not quickly retrievable.
   • However, ball assistants positioned behind the goals are permitted to return the ball to the goalkeeper directly, but not to other players. Any club staff or players who deliberately delay the restart of play by holding onto or kicking the ball away will face disciplinary action, with staff being sent off and players receiving yellow cards.
3. More Accurate Calculation of Added Time:
   • In an effort to more accurately calculate added time, match officials will now only start adding time when the delay between a goal and the subsequent kick-off exceeds 30 seconds. This change aims to reduce unnecessary stoppage time, given the average of 3.28 goals per match last season.

These new rules are part of the Premier League’s ongoing efforts to improve the flow and fairness of the game.