Five new rule changes as the Premier League returns for 26/27 season

1. Referees will enforce a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks to tackle time-wasting, with failures resulting in reversed throw-ins or corners given to the opposition.
2. Stricter stoppage rules will require injured players to leave the pitch for at least one minute, while tactical goalkeeper timeouts will force managers to temporarily remove an outfield player for a minute.
3. Substitutions must be completed within 10 seconds, with incoming replacements delayed entry for a minimum of one extra minute if the departing player takes too long.
4. VAR capabilities have been expanded to overturn incorrect second yellow cards and intervene on pre-set-piece attacking fouls that lead to goals , penalties, or disciplinary actions.
5. The Premier League plans to maintain high thresholds for VAR interventions and general foul challenges, though referees have been instructed to crack down on grappling during set-pieces.