However, operators of online slots and other popular betting verticals will still be able to advertise their products in other areas. Here are the laws which have been changed:
- Law 3 – The Players
- Law 5 – The Referee
- Law 8 – The Start and Restart of Play – Dropped ball
- Law 9 – The Ball in and out of Play
- Law 11 – Offside
- Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct
- Law 16 – The Goal Kick
- Law 17 – The Corner Kick
- Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol
- Gambling advertisements
The changes to Law 3, Law 5, VAR protocol and gambling advertising are the headline-grabbers, so read on as we take a closer look at each one.
Law 3 – The Players
The Premier League is set to introduce a new law from next season onwards which only allows captains to talk to referees about key decisions.
The rule was initially implemented by UEFA for the 2024 European Championship in Germany and was subsequently used in their other competitions this season.
Captains were under instructions to ensure their teammates did not harass the referee to allow the official to speak unobstructed with the skipper.
While the rule has been introduced as a guideline, the Premier League and other English competitions are expected to adopt it for the 2025/26 season.
Law 5 – The Referee
Goalkeepers will now concede a corner if they hold onto the ball for more than eight seconds.
Positive trial results persuaded the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to change the law from start of the 2025/26 season.
The rule was trialled extensively in Premier League 2, Italy and Malta, but will now be rolled out across the football world.
The previous law required referees to award an indirect free-kick if they hold onto the ball for more than six seconds, but very few of them enforced it.
Video assistant referee (VAR) protocol
The video assistant referee (VAR) system has triggered plenty of debate in football, most notably surrounding the time it takes decisions to be made.
However, competitions can implement a system in which the referee publicly explains and announces decisions following a VAR ‘review’ or lengthy VAR ‘check’.
Referees will also be permitted to explain the outcome of a VAR review or check to the players, which should provide greater transparency.
The wording of this rule appears to conflict with the ‘only the captain’ instruction detailed in Law 3, and it will be intriguing to see if this creates issues.
Gambling advertisements
The Premier League has imposed a ban on front-of-jersey gambling sponsors which will come into effect before the start of the 2026/27 season.
However, gambling companies will still be able to maintain relationships with clubs by advertising on shirt sleeves or around the stadiums.
The English Football League (EFL) has shown no signs of following the Premier League’s lead and critics believe the self-imposed ban is largely meaningless.
The landscape could change if an independent regulator is appointed to oversee English football, but it is unclear how wide-reaching their powers would be.