Penalty crackdown announced by PGMOL

Howard Webb announces a crackdown on holding with more penalties and VAR support in the Premier League for 2025/26.

PGMOL tightens penalties for holding in 2025/26 season

Howard Webb, the Premier League refereeing chief, says referees will award more penalties for holding at set pieces in the 2025/26 season. Officials will crack down on grappling when contact impedes movement, following feedback from captains, players and clubs. The changes set clear criteria for when holding is punishable and allow VAR to intervene or for penalties to be checked, aiming to distinguish clear infractions from marginal contact.

Alongside the holding changes, the league is introducing several other rules this season. The eight second rule for goalkeepers limits how long they can hold the ball once in control, with a corner awarded if the count is exceeded. A captains only rule tightens on field communication, while the double touch at penalties and the dropped ball restarts are also clarified to reduce stoppages and confusion. The overall package is pitched as a credible, sustained shift rather than a short campaign.

The move to punish holding more often reflects a wider push to improve fairness at set pieces. It recognizes how gripping actions can shape outcomes and reduce chances for attackers. Yet enforcement will hinge on consistency; referees must apply the criteria evenly to avoid uneven calls that frustrate players and fans. If calls vary week to week, the plan risk losing credibility and dampening the game’s rhythm.

The package also shifts how teams approach defense and distribution. A tougher eight second rule and a captain only communication protocol could change how teams organize their rearguard and how coaches prepare for matches. In practice, it may reward teams that press aggressively and punish teams that rely on grabbing and delaying play, reshaping tactical balance across the season.

Highlights

The season will test how well the changes balance fairness with the flow of the game.