US Edition
PL Refs to Clamp Down on Holding in Penalty Area
Premier League will penalize sustained holding with more penalties and enforce a strict eight-second limit for goalkeepers releasing the ball, aiming to speed up play and improve fairness.
- Ahead of the Friday kickoff, the 2025-26 Premier League season introduces an eight-second goalkeeper rule and stricter holding penalties, per PGMOL chief Howard Webb.
- Amid concerns over unpunished fouls, PGMOL chief Howard Webb told reporters on Thursday that survey feedback highlighted 'a few too many' holding offences, prompting enforcement focus.
- Under the new criteria, Premier League referees and VAR officials will analyse holding incidents for severity, impact, and focus on the opponent or the ball, as Howard Webb emphasized.
- A corner will be awarded if goalkeepers exceed the eight-second limit, and attacking players preventing release will concede an indirect free kick.
- Referee body cameras will be trialled from match round three, with only captains allowed to approach referees and VAR outcomes announced except for factual offsides.
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Premier League Cracks Down on Penalty Area Offenses | Sports-Games
Premier League Cracks Down on Penalty Area Offenses In a groundbreaking effort to maintain fairness, Premier League referees are expected to award more penalties this season in response to holding offenses within the penalty box. This move signifies a tougher stance on players who engage in such infractions, aiming to uphold the integrity of the game.Howard Webb, Chief Operating Officer of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), h…
·India
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The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)Premier League referees to crack down on holding in penalty area
Officials will consider whether there is a clear impact on the opponent’s ability to play or challenge for the ball
·London, United Kingdom
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Irish NewsReposted by 
Football Mad! ⚽️🤪
Football Mad! ⚽️🤪Premier League referees to place greater emphasis on holding in penalty area
Greater emphasis will be placed on sustained and impactful holding at set-pieces.
·Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Left
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
57% Left
L 57%
C 29%
14%
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