Premier League Rule Changes: VAR, Goalkeeper Ball Handling & More

The new Premier League rules for the 2024/25 season, including VAR explanations, goalkeeper ball handling, dressing room cameras, and more. Stay up-to-date with the latest changes.

The Premier League's new season is set to kick off in a couple of weeks, bringing with it several rule changes. Key updates include tweaks to VAR protocols and increased camera access. New regulations also cover goalkeeper ball handling, half-time manager interviews, and more.

New Premier League Rules

TV Cameras in Dressing Rooms

TV cameras will now have access to dressing rooms, with home clubs required to allow access at least twice a season. Clubs can choose which games are televised and decide when recording can start.

Clubs can choose from four options for TV camera access in the dressing room:

1. After warm-up until the first bell before kick-off
2. Between the first bell and players leaving the dressing room
3. At half-time
4. Immediately after the match once players return

The dressing room cameras will be positioned in a corner with no audio. However, home teams can cancel post-match access if they're losing in the 80th minute or later. This rule is timely, considering past dressing room incidents, like the infamous 2003 boot-throwing incident involving Sir Alex Ferguson and David Beckham.

Half-Time Interviews Introduced

Clubs and broadcasters will decide 24 hours before a match which player or manager will be available for a half-time interview, potentially revealing interesting insights during the break.

Broadcasters will provide a shortlist of five players to the club by the 40th minute, and the club will choose which player will be available for a half-time interview. The selected player will face a Q&A session with limitations: they'll only answer three questions, which must be “positive” and “related to the match,” as per the Premier League handbook.

In-match interviews will now be allowed, featuring managers or substituted players, and will take place no later than the 85th minute. Each interview will be limited to a maximum of two questions.

Cameras on the Pitch for Goal Celebrations

TV cameras will now be allowed on the pitch to capture goal celebrations, aiming to record some iconic moments throughout the season.

The final day of the Premier League season will see all 10 matches broadcast live in the UK, a first for the league.

Goalkeeper Ball Handling Rule

Goalkeepers now have eight seconds to release the ball, down from 10 seconds. Referees will signal and visually count down from five seconds. If the goalkeeper exceeds the time limit, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick.

Dropped Ball Rule Update

Referees will now determine dropped ball restarts based on which team had possession and where the incident occurred, providing a clearer and more accurate restart procedure.

The new season starts here.

2025/26 🔜 pic.twitter.com/VmoxPb8dbu

— Premier League (@premierleague) June 18, 2025

Captains to Communicate with Referees

Only team captains will be allowed to speak to referees and have decisions explained to them, aiming to prevent players from surrounding the referee. Trials have shown success, but players stepping out of line can expect yellow cards.

Accidental Ball Contact by Off-Field Staff

The Premier League has relaxed rules on managers and players who accidentally touch the ball, eliminating yellow or red card penalties for such incidents, although defining an “accident” may prove nuanced.

Referees to Explain VAR Decisions

Referees will now provide explanations for decisions following VAR reviews or checks, giving fans clarity on the calls made during the game.