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Premier League to Adopt Captains-Only Rule for Referee Communication in 2025/26

The upcoming protocol, set for ratification in June, limits key interactions with referees to team captains and introduces yellow cards for unauthorized approaches.

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Overview

  • The captains-only communication rule, trialed by IFAB in 2023 and used in UEFA competitions since Euro 2024, will be adopted by the Premier League for the 2025/26 season.
  • Premier League clubs are expected to ratify the rule at their annual general meeting next month, aligning domestic play with international standards.
  • Under the new protocol, only team captains can discuss significant decisions with referees, while unauthorized approaches by other players may result in yellow cards.
  • In cases where a goalkeeper is the captain, teams can designate an outfield player to act as the communication point with referees.
  • The referees' organization PGMOL is advocating for the English Football League to implement the same measures to further protect match officials.