The 2026-27 season introduces a suite of new laws aimed at cutting tempo disruption and speeding up play. Premier League referee Michael Oliver will oversee the changes, which were first tested at the World Cup and now roll out across the EFL, Premier League, and Sunday league.

A new countdown for goal‑kicks and throw‑ins tackles deliberate delays. The referee signals a five‑second clock that starts when play is restarted; failure to comply forces a restart to the opposition. The rule mirrors the World Cup average of 58 minutes 16 seconds of play, up from previous seasons.

Substitutions now have a strict 10‑second exit window. Players who linger are barred from entering for at least a minute, forcing teams to play with ten men if they fail to comply. The first offence was seen when Will Lankshear was penalised for taking too long after scoring for Middlesbrough.

Other changes include banning goalkeeper tactical time‑outs, clarifying hand‑ball on goal‑kicks (as seen with Mings), and expanding VAR to review second yellow cards and fouls before the ball is in play.