Premier League: 7 rule changes ahead of the 22/23 season

The 2022/23 Premier League season is now just under three weeks away.

Crystal Palace play host to Arsenal in the opening fixture of the competition’s 31st campaign on Friday August 5th – and you might notice a few things that seem a little odd during that contest.

This is because both the Premier League and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) have tweaked their rules over the summer.

One change the Premier League has adopted which should go down well with fans everywhere is a new system to try and reduce the amount of time-wasting during top-flight matches.

Last season, the average ‘ball-in-play’ time in the Premier League was the lowest it has been in more than a decade – at only 55 minutes and three seconds per match. Understandably, league chiefs are keen to improve that figure this time around.

Per the Daily Mail, the Premier League has given the green light to a new multi-ball system, with ten match balls in use at each match.

“One ball will be in play, one with the fourth official and eight will be placed at various points around the pitch on cones. Two will be behind each goal and two along each touchline. Those behind the goal must be positioned such that they do not interfere with the Hawk-Eye goal decision system,” explain the Mail.

Those involved have been instructed to pass the ball directly to players as soon as they make eye contact and must also do so at the same speed for both teams.

Fans pay to see action. Less time wasted at throw-ins, goal-kicks and other set pieces can only be positive for the overall spectacle of the Premier League.

End of season quiz: How much do you remember about the 21/22 football campaign?

During the pandemic, sides were temporarily allowed to make five