Premier League 2022-23 rule changes that will impact Newcastle United, Liverpool, Leeds and Co

The 2022-23 campaign is already set to be a campaign like no other with a winter World Cup break in November and December for the first time.

But there are also some rule changes that are bound to impact how the season unfolds.

Five substitutes

Arguably the most well-known change being introduced this season is that clubs will now be able to make five substitutions during the course of the game.

Previously, only three substitutions could be made but clubs have agreed to increase that number to five.

However, teams will only be able to stop a match to make a substitution on three occasions while play is under way with an additional substitution opportunity at half-time.

Extra substitutions can also be made in the event of a suspected concussion.

Teams will be able to name a total of nine substitutes on the bench.

Penalty change for goalkeepers

The rules regarding a goalkeeper’s position before and during a penalty kick have been amended ahead of the new season.

The IFAB Laws of the Game now states the following: "When the ball is kicked, the defending goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot touching, or in line with, or behind, the goalline."

Goalkeepers were previously required to have part of at least one foot on or above the goalline when a penalty was taken. This meant that if a goalkeeper had one foot in front of the goalline and one foot behind the goalline then it would technically be deemed an offence as no foot was touching the goalline despite no advantage being gained. The wording of the Laws of the Game have been clarified in order to avoid potential penalisation.

It will still be deemed an offence if a goalkeeper stands completely behind or in front of the goalline.

Match postponement guidance

The guidance regarding match postponements has been revised by the Premier League board.

Last season saw several Premier League matches postponed as a result of a side having an insufficient number of players.

Newcastle United saw their scheduled matches against Everton and Southampton postponed last winter as a result of a Covid-19 outbreak within the squad.

Club requests to the Premier League Board will be considered and assessed on a case-by-case basis but the Premier League states that: “Approval will only be granted where the impact of player unavailability on a club’s squad is truly exceptional and where the club concerned have taken all reasonable steps to avoid the necessity to make the application.”

Offside rule clarification

The Laws of the Game have been clarified to explain what constitutes a defending player ‘deliberately playing’ the ball.

The new guidelines make it clear that an attacking player in an offside position does not automatically become onside if a defending player touches the ball, unless it was a save by the goalkeeper.

The clarified IFAB guidelines state: “Deliberate play is when a player has control of the ball with the possibility of passing the ball to a team-mate, gaining possession of the ball, or clearing the ball.

"If the pass, attempt to gain possession or clearance by the player in control of the ball is inaccurate or unsuccessful, this does not negate the fact that the player 'deliberately played' the ball."

A player is deemed to have ‘deliberately played’ the ball if they had a clear view of it from a distance, the ball was not moving quickly or in an unexpected manner or the player had sufficient time to coordinate their body movement. Any of these factors will be used as indicators to determine where a ball was deliberately played with the added assumption that a ball on the ground is easier to play deliberately than a ball in the air.

Assistant referees have also been instructed to only delay raising their flag for an obvious offside when there is a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Multiball system

A multiball system will be in place for 2022-23 Premier League fixtures in order to cut down on wasted time when the match ball leaves the field of play.

Additional balls will be placed around the field of play and their use is ‘under the referee’s control’. The referee may even opt to ‘deactivate’ the use of multiball if necessary.

There will be a total of 10 match balls during each Premier League fixture. One match ball will be in play, eight will be distributed around the pitch and another will be with the fourth official on the sidelines.

Premier League 2 age-limits

Newcastle fans may have noticed that the Under-23s side has changed to an Under-21s side for the upcoming season.

This is because the Premier League 2 is now an Under-21 competition to better align with the age limits of EFL Trophy and international competitions.

Clubs will be permitted to use five outfield players over the age of 21 plus an over-age goalkeeper.

Medical emergency guidance

The 2021-22 season saw several Premier League matches temporarily halted due to a medical emergency in the stands. Newcastle United’s match against Tottenham Hotspur at St James’s Park last October was paused as a Newcastle supporter had a heart attack during the first half and was taken to hospital.

Due to the quick response of those in the ground, the fan in question recovered.

The latest guidance advises Premier League clubs to refrain from stopping matches during medical emergencies in the stands unless it is ‘absolutely necessary’.

Club friendlies

The Premier League season will be halted between November 12 and December 26 for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

During this break, Premier League clubs will be allowed to organise and play friendly matches as they would during pre-season.