The Implementation of a New Rule in the Premier League Surprises Fans
August 16, 2025205 ViewsRead Time: 1 minutes
Font Size
16
The Premier League witnessed the implementation of a new set of modified rules in the new season 2025-2026 during the match between Tottenham and Burnley at the "Tottenham" stadium on Saturday evening, in the first round of the Premier League.
Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka held onto the ball for longer than the allowed duration of 8 seconds, leading the match referee Michael Oliver to penalize him by awarding Tottenham a corner kick according to the new system, which astonished the fans.
This new rule is part of the Professional Footballers' Association "PGMOL" initiative to reduce time-wasting and increase actual playing time, as the referee starts the countdown as soon as the goalkeeper gains control of the ball, raising his hand to alert him that the time is about to expire.
Thus, Dubravka became the first goalkeeper to be penalized under the new rule, in an incident that may shape new aspects of the playing style this season.
Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka held onto the ball for longer than the allowed duration of 8 seconds, leading the match referee Michael Oliver to penalize him by awarding Tottenham a corner kick according to the new system, which astonished the fans.
This new rule is part of the Professional Footballers' Association "PGMOL" initiative to reduce time-wasting and increase actual playing time, as the referee starts the countdown as soon as the goalkeeper gains control of the ball, raising his hand to alert him that the time is about to expire.
Thus, Dubravka became the first goalkeeper to be penalized under the new rule, in an incident that may shape new aspects of the playing style this season.
