The 2026-27 campaign will bring a record wave of new laws, largely aimed at cutting out tempo-killing tactics and speeding up the game.
Although first trialed at the World Cup, the rules still caused confusion during last weekend’s Carabao Cup first round.
Starting with this weekend’s EFL kick-off and Sunday’s Community Shield between Arsenal and Manchester City, the changes will apply across English football—from the Premier League to Sunday league—with VAR the notable exception.
The goal is to remove the moments that most frustrate fans and increase actual playing time without relying on long periods of stoppage time.
World Cup data suggests the approach works. In Qatar 2022, the ball was in play for an average of 58:03 (56.86% of match time). This summer it ticked up to 58:16, with much less added time, pushing live play to 60.43%.
These measures are intended to influence player behavior rather than serve purely as punishment.
They may, however, disadvantage teams that previously relied on time-wasting to protect results.
Here’s what to watch for and how the new laws will operate.