Premier League clubs handed headache as rule change is confirmed

 

Barcelona have received approval from La Liga to register goalkeeper Joan Garcia after the league confirmed that Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury meets the criteria for a long-term absence. The clearance came after La Liga’s medical commission verified the club’s medical report, visiting the training ground five days after its submission  later than the usual 48-hour protocol. Ter Stegen is expected to be sidelined for around four months due to a pre-season injury, allowing Garcia to be added to the squad under special rules.

Barcelona had initially been unable to register Garcia due to financial fair play restrictions. The situation became more complicated when Ter Stegen insisted his injury would only keep him out for three months and refused to authorise the medical report. This dispute reportedly led to him being temporarily stripped of the captaincy. Without Garcia, Barcelona faced starting the season with only one registered goalkeeper, Iñaki Peña, whose transfer to Como was blocked by manager Hansi Flick. The approval ends Barcelona’s immediate goalkeeping crisis, giving them two available keepers for the start of the La Liga season.

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While penalties will still be reviewed by the video assistant referee (VAR), the high threshold for overturning decisions remains, meaning only clear and obvious errors will be changed. The season will also see the introduction of semi-automated offside technology, designed to cut down the long delays that have frustrated fans and players during previous campaigns.

The Premier League hopes the rule changes will be applied consistently, though history suggests that teams will look for loopholes to maintain an advantage. Set-pieces remain a key weapon for many sides, and adapting to the new enforcement will be crucial.

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The first test of the changes could come in Friday night’s clash between Liverpool and Bournemouth, where referees will have the opportunity to show how they intend to manage physical battles in the penalty area. Clubs and fans alike will be watching closely to see whether the new directives improve fairness and flow, or add fresh controversy to one of football’s most closely scrutinised leagues.