Softfootball has gathered that new rules have been introduced ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season, which begins on Friday, 12 August 2026. The league organisers have added five new regulations which include the following:
Injury stoppage rule
Injured players must now stay off the pitch for at least 1 minute, increased from 30 seconds.
Restart countdown
A 5‑second countdown for throw‑ins and goal‑kicks; if delayed, the restart is reversed.
Substitution exit rule
Substituted players have 10 seconds to leave the field, or their replacement waits until the next stoppage.
Second yellow VAR review
A new VAR check specifically for clearly wrong second yellow cards that result in a red.
Goalkeeper injury trial
Managers must nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch for one minute whenever play is stopped for a goalkeeper injury.
Softfootball can also confirm that several other proposed rules have not been introduced, including:
- Hydration breaks
- VAR reviews for incorrectly awarded corners
- Red‑card protocol for players covering their mouths
- Yellow cards being reversed for mistaken identity or diving
- VAR correcting who was booked, not the decision itself
