Ten radical rules for new Premier League season from changes to handball, VAR monitors and different offside lines
NEW players and new laws are a staple of every season.
But what else is fresh when the season kicks off on Saturday?
SunSports runs you through what you might see that is different.
ANTHEM
The players will come out to new walk-on music for the pre-game rituals, created by MassiveMusic. No handshakes for the foreseeable future.
BALL
New season, new ball. Probably “rounder” than the last.
This time it’s the Nike Flight, promising “30 per cent truer flight” and “improved aerodynamics through a revolutionary ball design”. Of course.
MONITOR USE
Under Fifa demands, Prem refs must now use the monitor to confirm changes to “subjective” calls rather than implementing the judgement of the VAR.
Factual calls such as offside decisions remain in the hands of Stockley Park. Joy.
NEW LAWS
The shoulder is no longer part of the arm, assistant referees must keep their flags down until the attacker gets his shot away and encroachment at penalties MUST be strictly penalised by VARs.
DIFFERENT VAR LINES
Now it’s blue for the defensive line and green OR red for the attacking line, once the 3D crosshairs have been applied.
Green is onside, red offside and Prem chiefs think it will aid clarity.
But Fifa intervention meant no “wider lines” and 10cm “tolerance zone” as planned. Stand by for another season of ‘armpit offsides’.
REFEREES
Promotion from the EFL for new whistlers Darren England and Robert Jones, with assistants James Mainwaring and Tim Wood also upgraded.
The rest of the list is unchanged with no refs standing down.
OFFICIALS’ KIT
New Nike kits in black, “volt” (luminous yellow), “hyper turquoise” and “vivid purple”. A sight for sore eyes, undoubtedly.
ADDED TIME AND SUBSTITUTION BOARD
New Prem official timekeeper Hublot’s sponsorship means the board will be shaped to represent their Big Bang Unico sports watch being worn by officials.
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FANS
Maybe. But not yet and certainly not before October, although seems likely to be extended to November at least.
Ballots for season ticket holders and no away supporters seem likely when the turnstiles begin to open, too.
MORE GAMES ON TV
Clubs performed a U-turn so all 28 games this month will be screened live, including one on the BBC.
With Covid restrictions likely to be extended, clubs and broadcasters will be under pressure to ensure all matches remain accessible until fans are allowed back.
