THE 2024-25 campaign seems to have only just finished – but it is already time for the new 2025-26 Premier League season to get underway.
Champions Liverpool host Bournemouth in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Friday night.
GettyLiverpool begin the defence of their Premier League title against Bournemouth on Friday[/caption]
GettyPlayers, fans and referees alike have a host of new rules to get used to[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialPuma have taken over from Nike as the suppliers of the ball[/caption]
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And there are no fewer than 13 major changes – including some never-seen-before laws and rules – that fans will need to get used to.
One that may take a while is not having a Nike football.
That is because, after 25 years, Premier League chiefs have dumped Nike and signed a deal with Puma.
And the first Puma Premier League ball from the German brand will be the Orbita Ultimate PL.
But what else will look different this season?
SunSport runs the rule over all the changes you need to know about…
As ever, there are some tweaks to the laws of the game, all trying to eradicate loopholes or tighten up on certain behaviours.
This year is no different – with a new way to win a corner…
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New anti-time-wasting clampdown on goalkeepers with referees signalling a five-second countdown and a corner awarded if goalies exceed eight seconds
Refs have been told to punish holding in the box – so it should be the end of all-in wrestling
Another crackdown on diving and simulation has been signalled to the clubs and managers
Premier League has also agreed to adopt the ‘captains only’ rule, aimed at preventing players from mobbing referees after decisions that go against them
But players will not automatically be handed a second yellow card if they commit a foul after being already booked
So that’s the rules taken care of.
What about the big broadcasting changes for 2025-26?
Well, armchair fans will be delighted to know there is now even more live Premier League football on the telly – and new insights, too.
But those buying tickets to watch their team live could be undone by late fixture changes.
All games except those kicking off at 3pm on a Saturday will now be screened live, with the majority on Sky Sports, who will show at least 215 matches, while TNT have 52 games
Sky will offer a ‘multi-view’ option with potentially four games kicking off at 2pm on Sundays
‘Ref cam’ set to be used from the third weekend of the season, giving TV fans a close-up look at the action
New TV deal will mean dressing room access and half-time interviews with players and managers
More in-stadium VAR graphics to illustrate offside decisions and referees announcing to the crowd when a ‘subjective’ decision has been changed.
A record nine teams in Europe, including six in the Champions League, means the Premier League is unable to stick to their promise of six weeks’ notice for games being switched
And finally, there is a new stadium which will host Premier League football – well, any football for that matter – for the first time.
Elland Road, Turf Moor and the Stadium of Light – home grounds of the three promoted sides – have all staged top-flight football within the last decade.
But the Hill Dickinson Stadium has not.
That is because it is the brand-spanking-new pad of Everton at Bramley-Moore Dock on the banks of the River Mersey.
The 52,769-capacity arena replaces Goodison Park, the Toffees’ home since 1892, and becomes the 62nd stadium used in the history of the Premier League era.
GettyThe Hill Dickinson Stadium is the 62nd ground to host Premier League football[/caption]
GettyRefs will crack down on grappling and wrestling in the penalty area[/caption]
GettyGoalkeepers must release the ball within eight seconds or will give a corner away[/caption]
Sky SportsSky Sports will provide a multiview option on Sunday afternoons[/caption]
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