Manchester United and Manchester City, along with all Premier League clubs, have been informed of significant rule changes for the upcoming season, focusing on VAR and goalkeeper time-wasting. The changes, confirmed by IFAB, aim to improve transparency and efficiency in the game.
From the new season, referees will be permitted to explain VAR decisions to the crowd via stadium speaker systems. This will occur after a VAR review or lengthy check. The Premier League had announced in February its intention to implement this change for the 2025/26 season, and it has already been trialled in high-profile matches, including last season's Carabao Cup semi-final between Tottenham and Liverpool.
Another key change targets goalkeepers holding the ball. The time limit has been extended from six to eight seconds, but referees will now raise an arm after three seconds and count down from five. If the goalkeeper fails to release the ball within the limit, a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team.
Additional minor changes include enforcing that corners are taken on the side closest to where the goalkeeper was positioned when the corner was conceded. Also, if a substitute, injured player, or coach kicks the ball onto the pitch, an indirect free kick will be awarded without further sanctions, replacing the previous booking for such offences.
The new season begins on the weekend of August 16, with Manchester City travelling to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, August 16, and Manchester United hosting Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 17.
