The Premier League is set to introduce a new rule for the 2025/26 season, allowing only club captains to converse with referees during matches, according to reports.
In the upcoming month, the 20 Premier League clubs will convene for their annual general meeting where it’s expected that this new rule, already in use in UEFA Competitions, will be approved.
Referees’ organisation PGMOL is eager for the Football League to adopt this new protocol, mirroring the Premier League. This rule has been in effect in football since EURO 2024 before being implemented across all three UEFA club competitions.
A report from The Telegraph reveals that officials have generally welcomed the rule, which now sees them “explain decisions rather than justify decisions” to team captains.
Only significant moments in a match are to be discussed via the two captains. The remaining 20 players can still engage with the referee and assistants during the game, reports Football London.
In the unusual circumstance where the goalkeeper is the captain, clubs can designate an outfield player as their point of communication with the referee.
UEFA stated last summer: “This information and accompanying explanations are provided only to the team captains, who are the only players entitled to speak to the referee and request clarifications in a respectful manner,” They added: “Captains must also take responsibility for their team-mates, asking them to respect the referee, keep their distance and not surround the match officials.”
The rule was introduced by IFAB in November 2023, aiming to deter players from mobbing the referee following a decision. Players frequently find themselves booked for dissent when they react negatively to a decision they disagree with.
Now, those who flout this new rule will be shown yellow cards.
