Archive · 15 Aug 2025
Premier League to Enforce Stricter Rules on Holding in the Box
Get ready, soccer fans!
This season, referees in the Premier League will be watching closely for players holding or blocking others during set plays, like corner kicks.
The referees were told to be stricter about these fouls.
The goal is to stop players from grabbing and pulling each other, which stops them from getting to the ball.
Howard Webb, the head referee, said we might see more penalties because of this.
So, your favorite team might get called for more penalties than before, but it's just the new rules being enforced.
Premier League referees will be stricter on holding and impeding attackers during set-pieces.
This change may result in more penalties being awarded this season.
The Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) conveyed the new policy to referees.
Howard Webb, the chief referee officer for the Premier League, confirmed the change.
Players expressed concern about excessive grabbing and impeding during set-pieces.
- Who
- Premier League referees and players, with guidance from the PGMO and Howard Webb.
- What
- Premier League referees will be stricter about holding during set-pieces, which may result in more penalties.
- When
- This change is taking effect for the upcoming season.
- Where
- In the Premier League.
- Why
- To address player concerns about excessive holding and impeding during set-pieces.
- League
- Premier League
- Focus
- Holding and impeding during set-pieces
- Initiator
- Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO)
- Key Figure
- Howard Webb (Chief Referee Officer)