Here's a detailed look, provided by the PA news agency, at the recent changes in English football.
What's the update?
Referees in the Premier League and EFL, mirroring global practices, are now directed by football regulators to more precisely account for stoppage time. This includes time taken for goal celebrations, substitutions, and VAR assessments. This methodology was first seen during the men's World Cup in Qatar, where games saw an average addition of 10 minutes and 11 seconds.
The rationale behind the move?
The aim is to minimize time-wasting and enhance actual play duration. FIFA’s data revealed that the effective playing time surged from 55 minutes and 41 seconds in the 2018 Russia World Cup to 59 minutes and 47 seconds in Qatar.
What's been the early result in England?
Arsenal capitalized on the fresh guidelines, levelling the score against Manchester City during the 11th of 13 additional minutes in the Community Shield. The game lasted for an unprecedented 105 minutes and 45 seconds, exceeding last season's average by around 7 minutes.
On the EFL's inaugural weekend, games averaged more than 100 minutes across all divisions, with League Two games averaging the longest at 107 minutes and four seconds.
Initial feedback?
While the Qatar World Cup saw favourable feedback, the English football community has expressed reservations. Figures like
Manchester City's Pep Guardiola and Manchester United's Raphael Varane lamented the apparent absence of dialogue with players and coaches about these changes. Concerns regarding the implications of these rules over a lengthy season were highlighted by the Professional Footballers’ Association.
Views from the top?
Pierluigi Collina, FIFA referees’ head, argues these changes will effectively counter time-wasting tactics. He believes added time will decrease once players understand that stalling tactics are futile. Collina also emphasized that the change is not drastic, given that several Premier League matches had seen 10 or more additional minutes previously.
Is there a genuine increase in player burden?
According to the global players’ union FIFPRO, there might be. If the added time from the Qatar World Cup persists throughout a season, it could equate to players playing nearly three additional matches.
Any other fresh guidelines?
Referees will adopt a stricter stance on players or coaches showing dissent or engaging in abusive behaviour. As a part of a larger initiative to refine the overall conduct in English football, referees will mandatorily issue at least one yellow card when multiple players challenge them. Repeated or grave offences against officials will attract heftier monetary penalties. Additionally, fans' misconduct, including involvement in football-related violence or misuse of pyrotechnics, will face stern action.
