Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham set to be impacted by Premier League rule change

Arsenal, Chelseaand Tottenham Hotspur have been briefed on the rule amendments set to be introduced in the upcoming Premier League season, with particular focus on VAR and goalkeepers' time-wasting tactics.

In anticipation of the professional football season's start, which begins for Leagues One and Two on the first weekend of August, IFAB has confirmed the rule changes that will be implemented. Two significant changes for Premier League clubs involve VAR.

IFAB has declared that leagues will be permitted to allow their referees to clarify VAR decisions in-stadium via the speaker systems. This will occur when there has been a VAR review or an extended VAR check, reports the Manchester Evening News.

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The Premier League announced in February that they were optimistic about implementing this change at the beginning of the 2025/26 season. It has already been tested in several high-profile matches, including in the Carabao Cup last season.

In the meantime, IFAB has taken a firm stance on goalkeepers retaining the ball for too long. From next season, keepers will be allowed to hold onto the ball for eight seconds, up from the previous six.

However, referees will raise their arms after three seconds and start a countdown from five to ensure the ball is released within the time limit. Failure to comply will result in a corner kick being awarded to the opposing team.

A few minor tweaks have also been made to the game's rules that clubs need to familiarise themselves with. For instance, referees will insist that corners are taken from the side closest to where the goalkeeper was positioned when they conceded the corner.

Additionally, if a substitute or injured player off the pitch, or a coach, kicks the ball onto the field, an indirect free kick will be given without any further penalties.

This rule aims to prevent instances where players and coaches have kicked the ball while it was still in play to keep the game flowing.

Previously, such actions would have resulted in a booking.