The Premier League kicks off its 2025-26 campaign on Friday, August 15, with reigning champions Liverpool taking on Bournemouth at Anfield. Alongside the season opener, the league unveiled several rule changes, including new protocols for VAR and on-field procedures.

One of the biggest changes involves goalkeepers. Once a keeper gains control of the ball in their hands, they now have eight seconds to release it. Failure to do so will result in a corner kick for the opposing team.

Previously, goalkeepers were required to release the ball within six seconds or face a free-kick inside the box—a rule rarely enforced in recent years. The new eight-second window includes a clear enforcement process, ensuring referees can consistently apply the rule.

Testing of this rule took place during the

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