Premier League Introduces New Rules for 2025/26 Season - From VAR Talks to Dressing Room Cameras

 

The Premier League 2025/26 season kicks off with several new rules designed to enhance matchday experience and broadcast coverage. A major shift involves increased television access. Dressing rooms must now be opened to cameras at least twice per season, with clubs choosing from four time slots (pre-match, during the break, or post-match). These cameras will be video-only, with no audio, and clubs losing in the 80th minute may cancel post-match filming.

Half-time interviews with selected players or managers will now be permitted, with broadcasters submitting a shortlist of five players by the 40th minute. Clubs then pick one to give a brief, three-question interview    all questions must be match-related and positive. Additionally, for the first time, in-match interviews will be allowed with managers or substituted players up to the 85th minute, limited to two questions. On-pitch cameras will also get more access to capture goal celebrations from new angles. For fans in the UK, the final matchday will be fully televised, with all 10 games broadcast live a first in Premier League history.

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On the pitch, several key gameplay rules are changing. Goalkeepers will now have just eight seconds to release the ball    two seconds less than before. Referees will visually count down from five and, if time is exceeded, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick. In another gameplay change, dropped ball restarts will now factor in which team had possession and the location of the incident, aiming to make restarts fairer.

Referees will only communicate with team captains during disputes to avoid crowding. Any players or coaches attempting to surround officials may receive yellow cards. The Premier League also softened rules around accidental ball contact by off-field players or staff    no bookings will be issued for unintentional touches.

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One of the biggest fan-focused changes is the introduction of live VAR explanations from referees. After a VAR review or lengthy check, referees can now explain their decisions to the stadium crowd, following the model trialed in international tournaments. This move aims to bring more transparency to controversial moments and reduce confusion around VAR usage