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The English Premier League will witness a number of changes aimed at increasing efficiency and maintaining discipline during the match
The 2023-24 Premier League season begins on Friday night as champions Manchester City take on promoted Burney at Turf More with Pep Guardiola’s keen to begin his title defence with maximum points.
City will face a challenge from Arsenal, who missed out on the title in the last weeks last season and have greatly strengthened, while Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and by extension Newcastle United will be hoping to push them.
The Premier League has introduced a number of new rules which will kick in in the new campaign with some players, such as United defender Raphael Varane, already voicing their concerns over some of them.
Pulse Sports takes you through the new things to expect in the Premier League starting this season.
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Additional time played at the end of each half will increase with up to 10 minutes added per game and 100-minute matches will be a norm. It is a decision that has not been received well by players and Varane came out to condemn what he terms too much workload.
“From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players physical and mental well-being,” he lamented.
“Despite our previous feedbacks, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players. We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?”
More power to referees
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Rudimentary rule of thumb has been abandoned and referees will instead add on a precise amount of time that is lost between playing stopping and restarting for goals and substitutions.
Referees have also been epowered to take action against those deliberately delaying the resumption of play.
Injuries & multi balls
Emphasis will be put on players going down injured and, where appropriate, them being asked to leave the field of play for treatment.
Meanwhile, the multi-ball system, introduced last season for the first time, will be retained in 2023-24, with nine balls (up from eight) positioned around the pitch, as well as the one in play.
Fans to be informed on additional time
Supporters in the stadium will also be able to get a better understanding of how much additional team is being played this season. Clocks to continue after the 45 and 90-minute mark.
No confronting referees
Players who surround referees and gesture for punishment and the coaches that come charging out of technical areas with something to say can all expect greater disciplinary action.
Players can be booked for confronting an official, showing disrespect and invading the referee’s personal space. Two or more players confronting an official will also bring bookings and a report to the FA.
Managers are not permitted to enter the pitch either at half-time or full-time to confront an official.
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