Premier League’s New Rule: Only Captains Can Approach Referees

Starting next season, the Premier League will implement a guideline allowing only team captains to approach referees during matches. This decision follows approval by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in March. Under these guidelines, referees can caution players with yellow cards if they approach without permission or act disrespectfully. If a team’s captain is a goalkeeper, an alternate representative will be designated before the match begins. This rule does not restrict players from speaking to referees at other times during the game.

The initiative has already been trialed in UEFA club competitions this season after its introduction at Euro 2024. While consultations with Premier League clubs are ongoing, it is anticipated that the rules will be confirmed at the upcoming annual general meeting and take effect at the start of the 2025-26 season. IFAB plans to include this guidance in the Laws of the Game starting July 1, 2025.

An IFAB spokesperson stated: “At this stage, they are not a compulsory part of the Laws of the Game, although IFAB strongly recommends their adoption at all levels following their successful implementation by UEFA and various national FAs and competitions.” The Women’s Super League may also consider adopting these guidelines.

In UEFA competitions this season, a specific hand signal—one arm extended with a flat hand—indicates adherence to ‘only the captain’ guidelines. While this signal might be adopted by other competitions, there is no mandatory signal across all levels yet.

The introduction of these rules aims to reduce confrontations and intimidation of officials by establishing a secure zone around referees. IFAB emphasized that creating a captain-only zone focuses responsibility on captains to encourage appropriate behavior among teammates.