The Premier League kicks off this weekend, with Manchester City looking to maintain its dominance in English football, while Ipswich makes its return to the top flight.
The action begins on Friday at 20:00 BST as Manchester United hosts Fulham, with matches scheduled over four days.
Ipswich faces Liverpool on Saturday, followed by Manchester City’s clash with Chelsea on Sunday—two of the most anticipated games of the opening weekend. Arsenal is hopeful of finally overtaking Manchester City for the title, while Manchester United seeks to bounce back from their worst season since 1990.
What’s New in the 2024-25 Season
This season introduces several changes, including adjustments to handball rules, VAR protocols, and injury time regulations. BBC Sport examines what’s new and what fans can expect in the 2024-25 Premier League season.
Key Changes: VAR, Handball, and Stoppage Time
The video assistant referee (VAR) system will now have a higher threshold for intervention. The “referee’s call” principle means that VAR will only step in if the on-field official makes a significant error. This change aims to reduce interruptions for marginal decisions.
Howard Webb, the head of refereeing, emphasized the need for confidence in officiating, stating, “Let’s have the confidence to not be too forensic in our analysis.” The Premier League Match Centre will provide “near-live” explanations of VAR decisions on social media and display more replays in stadiums.
Stoppage time will decrease due to a new approach to timing goal celebrations. Previously, time was added for every second between a goal being scored and the subsequent kick-off. Now, the clock will only start after 30 seconds, which could result in up to three minutes less stoppage time in a match with six goals.
Gameplay Adjustments
Attacking players who block or obstruct opponents during set pieces will face stricter penalties. There is already discussion about how Arsenal defender Ben White’s actions during corners might lead to more free-kicks for the opposition.
The handball rule has relaxed slightly. Players are no longer required to keep their arms rigidly by their sides or behind their backs; instead, the position of their arms will be assessed by their body movements. Webb noted, “We get a sense that we give too many handballs for actions that are quite normal and justifiable,” indicating fewer harsh penalties for handball offenses.
Moreover, a non-deliberate handball that leads to a penalty will no longer automatically result in a booking. During penalties, the ball must now be positioned on or directly over the center of the penalty spot.
As the Premier League returns, fans can look forward to an exciting season filled with new rules and fresh faces. With teams like Manchester City and Arsenal vying for the title and Ipswich back in the mix, the competition promises to be fierce. The changes in VAR, handball regulations, and stoppage time will also shape the way the game is played, making this season one to watch.
This account is open for all supporters to follow with the aim of increasing transparency around VAR and officiating in the Premier League.
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— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) August 13, 2024
