The Premier League has today (Tuesday) unveiled the fixture list for the 2024/25 season.
While fans might hold off on the excitement until the European Championship concludes on July 14, there are already some significant changes announced for the world’s most-watched league. Top of the list is the introduction of new technology aimed at speeding up tight offside calls, alongside hoped-for improvements to the video assistant referee (VAR) system.
Additionally, the winter break has been scrapped once more, and there’s an adjustment to the deadline for teams to submit their starting line-ups.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s new ahead of the new season.
Semi-automated offsides
A feature already seen in European competitions, semi-automated offsides will be a fresh addition to the Premier League after one of the autumn international breaks – though the exact date for its use has not been announced.
The Premier League explains that this technology “will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking.” However, scepticism will likely persist among those who have witnessed the complications brought about by VAR.
Six VAR improvements
The Premier League have already confirmed six changes will be introduced come August, even though they appear open to interpretation.
- Maintaining a high threshold for VAR intervention to deliver greater consistency and fewer interruptions to the flow of the game.
- Reducing delays to the game, primarily through the introduction of semi-automated offside technology.
- In-stadium announcements from referees after a post-VAR change of decision and, where possible, an enhanced offering of big screen replays to include all VAR interventions.
- Working with PGMOL on the implementation of more robust VAR training to improve consistency.
- Increasing transparency and communication.
- A fan and stakeholder communication campaign will seek to further clarify VAR’s role in the game to participants and supporters.
No winter break
In a shift from previous seasons, there will be no winter break. Clubs won’t have a week off in January, as was the case when only five games were played on consecutive weekends.
The season will kick off a week later than usual, on August 17, to allow players additional rest this summer.
Seventy-five is the new hour
Finally, team announcements will now be made 75 minutes before kick-off, aligning with UEFA competition standards, changing the pre-match ritual for fans eager to see their team’s line-up.
