Overview

• PGMOL’s guidance specifies that referees should penalise grappling when it is sustained, restricts an opponent’s movement or involves clear non-footballing action
• VAR retains the ‘referee’s call’ high threshold, intervening only for clear, extreme holding offences or obvious mistakes on penalty awards
• The eight-second goalkeeper rule took effect in the season opener, with Burnley’s Martin Dubravka becoming the first player penalised under the new limit
• New protocols—including captains-only appeals, penalty retakes for accidental double-touches and referee bodycam trials—are rolling out to streamline on-field interactions
• PGMOL emphasises a measured, season-long campaign rather than a short-term clampdown to ensure consistent officiating and steady match flow