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.