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Virgil van Dijk and James Tarkowski speak to Premier League referee Michael Oliver(Image: Getty Images)

The Premier League is set to implement a new rule for the 2025/26 season, allowing only club captains to converse with referees during matches, according to reports.

The 20 Premier League clubs are due to convene next month for their annual general meeting, where it's expected that this rule, already in use in UEFA Competitions, will be approved.

Referees' organisation PGMOL is advocating for the Football League to adopt this protocol, which has been in place in football since Euro 2024 and subsequently across all three UEFA club competitions.

A report from The Telegraph suggests that officials have generally welcomed the rule, as it allows them to "explain decisions rather than justify decisions" to team captains.

Only significant incidents in a match will be discussed with the two captains.

The remaining 20 players can still engage with the referee and assistants during the game.

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In instances where the goalkeeper is the captain, clubs can designate an outfield player to communicate with the referee.

UEFA stated last summer: "This information and accompanying explanations are provided only to the team captains, who are the only players entitled to speak to the referee and request clarifications in a respectful manner,".

"Captains must also take responsibility for their team-mates, asking them to respect the referee, keep their distance and not surround the match officials."

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The rule was introduced by IFAB in November 2023 to deter players from crowding the referee following a decision.

Players are frequently shown yellow cards for dissent in response to a decision they disagree with.

Now, players who disregard this new regulation will be given yellow cards.

Everton have picked up 75 yellow cards this season with Liverpool managing just 63.


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