The 2026/27 football season in England will usher in a series of new rule changes aimed at reducing time-wasting, discouraging tactical stoppages and increasing the amount of time the ball remains in play.

The changes, first introduced during the FIFA World Cup, will take effect from Sunday’s Community Shield between Arsenal and Manchester City and will apply across English football, from the Premier League to grassroots competitions, while VAR-related amendments will only be implemented in tournaments that use the technology.

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Among the major changes are a five-second countdown for

goal-kicks and throw-ins, stricter 10-second limits for substituted players to leave the pitch, and a rule requiring injured players to remain off the field for at least one minute after treatment in most situations. Goalkeepers who deliberately delay goal-kicks now risk conceding a corner kick instead of only receiving a yellow card, while a new trial will also prevent teams from using goalkeeper injury stoppages as tactical timeouts by requiring an outfield player to leave the pitch temporarily whenever the goalkeeper receives treatment.

The new regulations also clarify that a goal-kick is considered in play the moment it is kicked, removing previous uncertainty over handball incidents inside the penalty area. In addition, VAR has been granted expanded powers to review clear errors involving second yellow cards after a player has been sent off, certain attacking fouls before the ball is put into play, and cases of mistaken identity.

However, England will not adopt every VAR protocol used at the World Cup, meaning there will be no reviews for wrongly awarded corner kicks or red cards issued to players for covering their mouths during confrontations. The Football Association hopes the reforms will improve the flow of matches, reduce unnecessary delays and create a fairer and more entertaining game for players and supporters alike.