New things to look out for in the 2023/24 Premier League season

PARTICIPANT BEHAVIOUR CHARTER

There is a new drive to ensure respect is paid to match officials, across the game. Captains, such as Bruno Fernandes, must take responsibility for the behaviour of their team-mates and, if two or more players confront an official then a yellow card will precede being reported to the FA. Bookable offences include confronting and/or disrespectful actions directed towards a match official. A red card will be shown if a player is guilty of discriminatory behaviour/language, aggression and/or offensive language gestures.

THE TECHNICAL AREA

As part of the charter, those in the technical area are being urged to behave in a responsible manner. Only one person is now permitted to stand at the front of the allocated space and coach during the match. While a second person may stand, they must remain very close to the technical-area seating and everybody else must be seated.

MINOR RULE CHANGES

IFAB confirmed some amendments to the Laws of the Game, which we covered here. In addition to the time-keeping elements already mentioned, keep an eye out for a clampdown on goalkeepers’ behaviour when a penalty is being taken and a tweak around offside and the action of ‘deliberate play’ in this area.

TAKING THE KNEE

The Premier League captains have agreed to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to fighting racism and all forms of discrimination. The players will take the knee at set points throughout the season, including before the opening fixtures. This will also be the case around the dedicated No Room for Racism games in October and April, plus on Boxing Day and the last day of the campaign.