Ten balls will be in use at each match in a bid to speed up play
The Premier League is set to introduce a number of new rules for the forthcoming season in an attempt to speed up play and cut down on time-wasting.
As reported by the Daily Mail, the English top-flight will introduce a multi-ball system this campaign, with 10 match balls in use at every match.
The report adds that, alongside the ball in play, the fourth official will be equipped with a match ball and eight will be placed at various points around the pitch on cones, with two behind each goal and two along each touchline.
The Premier League is to introduce a multi-ball system for the forthcoming season with 10 match balls in use at each top-flight game in an attempt to speed up play and cut down on time-wasting. [@MikeKeegan_DM]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) July 18, 2022
However, the balls put behind the goal must be placed in a certain position so that they do not interfere with the Hawk-Eye goal decision system.
Premier League clubs have also been informed that they need to use a minimum of eight ball assistants, who are required to make eye contact with the player before passing them the ball.
The ball boys – usually made up of academy players at the club – must also give the ball at the same speed to both clubs.
Moyes will need to keep his cool…
Last season, West Ham United manager David Moyes was sent-off during the Hammers’ Europa League defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt after appearing to kick a ball towards a ball boy.
Obviously disappointed by flow of the game, Moyes let out his frustration in a less than ideal manner, when he appeared to boot a ball with some vigour towards a ball assistant.
Another red card for West Ham…
This time it's for David Moyes!
The manager smashes the ball back in anger and is sent down the tunnel… #UEL pic.twitter.com/YYTZrqp2dg
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 5, 2022
Presumably annoyed by the delay and wanting to get the game going in a hurry, the former Manchester United boss let his anger boil over and was lucky his strike narrowly missed the ball boy.
Related links:
- That’s it, we’ve found the worst miss in the history of football
- Swiss football fan slept rough in Milan for 10 years after getting lost at San Siro
- Premier League clubs to consider segregating players based on vaccination status
