The roar of the crowd, the tension in the air – Premier League matches are known for their intensity. But starting next season, a new rule will change how players interact with referees. Only team captains will be allowed to approach match officials during games, a move designed to reduce confrontations and foster a more respectful environment. Approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), this guideline seeks to address growing concerns about referee abuse and improve the overall conduct on the pitch. The change aims to bring a new level of order and respect when engaging with Premier League referees.

This new directive has broad implications, altering the dynamics between players and officials. Understanding the specifics of this rule, its origins, and potential impact is crucial for anyone following the beautiful game. The captain-only rule is a significant step towards creating a more controlled and respectful atmosphere.

From the 2025-26 season, the rule will be enforced rigorously. Only designated captains can approach referees to discuss decisions or seek clarification. Referees are empowered to instruct other players to stay away and can issue yellow cards for non-compliance or disrespectful behavior. In situations where the captain is a goalkeeper, teams must identify an alternative representative before the match begins. While this rule restricts direct engagement, it does not prevent players from speaking to referees at other times, maintaining open lines of communication.

An IFAB spokesperson told BBC Sport, “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.”

UEFA has already been testing this approach in its club competitions and at Euro 2024. A specific hand signal – one arm extended, showing the flat of the hand – indicates that the “only the captain” guideline is in effect. IFAB is considering standardizing this signal for all competitions in the future to ensure consistency and clarity. For junior, veterans, disability, and grassroots football, a captain-only zone is signaled by raising both arms and crossing them at the wrists, extending four meters around the referee.

The rise in abuse towards referees prompted the introduction of captain-only zones. In 2023, the Premier League, FA, EFL, and PGMOL introduced a ‘participant behavior charter’ to empower referees, aiming to create a more respectful environment. However, despite these efforts, serious allegations of assault and attempted assault on match officials in English grassroots football increased by 32% in 2023-24. To further protect referees, trials of body cameras are also being conducted.

IFAB stated that the aim is to “prevent major confrontations” and reduce intimidation of officials by “creating a secure and calm zone around the referee.”

The Women’s Super League (WSL) may also adopt the captain-only guidance. Meanwhile, the English Football League (EFL) already has rules in place to penalize players who aggressively surround match officials. According to EFL guidance, two or more players surrounding a match official in a confrontational manner will result in a yellow card.

Premier League clubs are currently being consulted, with ratification expected at the Premier League annual general meeting next month. IFAB will include the guidance in the 2025-26 Laws of the Game, effective from 1 July 2025. The success of this initiative hinges on the cooperation of players and clubs. By respecting the new guidelines, they can foster a more respectful environment for match officials.

Ultimately, the Premier League’s decision to implement the captain-only rule marks a proactive effort to curb rising abuse and create a more respectful atmosphere on the pitch. By placing responsibility on team captains, the hope is that the Premier League can lead the way in promoting better behavior and ensuring the integrity of the game.