The Premier League has confirmed four major rule changes that will come into effect from the start of the 2026/27 season, with Aston Villa among the clubs set to be impacted by the new regulations.
Following the conclusion of the 2025/26 campaign on May 24, league lawmakers approved adjustments involving injuries, restarts, substitutions and VAR reviews ahead of the new season, which begins in August.
One of the biggest changes concerns injured players. Any player receiving treatment or assessment on the pitch must now leave the field for at least 60 seconds before returning. The previous rule required players to remain off the pitch for only 30 seconds.
Restart situations will also change significantly. Throw-ins and goal-kicks will now operate under a strict five-second countdown. Players judged to be deliberately delaying the restart risk losing possession immediately. If the countdown expires during a throw-in, the opposing team will be awarded possession. For goal-kicks, the punishment will be a corner awarded to the opposition.
Substitution procedures have also been tightened. Players leaving the pitch after being substituted must now do so within 10 seconds. If they exceed the time limit, the incoming substitute will not be allowed onto the pitch until the next stoppage, provided at least one minute has passed since play restarted.
The Premier League has also introduced a fresh VAR adjustment involving second yellow cards. Video review officials will now be allowed to intervene when a player receives a second yellow card that results in a red card dismissal. However, VAR will not review incidents where referees fail to award a second booking.
Despite the updates, the Premier League confirmed it will not adopt certain optional IFAB laws, including VAR reviews for incorrectly awarded corners before the new campaign begins in August.
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