New Premier League Rules for 2026/27: The Hidden FPL Impact

The Premier League will use several new rules and trials in 2026/27 to improve match flow and reduce tactical delays.

Most do not directly change FPL scoring.

They can still affect clean sheets, minutes, cards, substitutions and short periods when a team plays with fewer outfield players.

The new rules at a glance

Goalkeeper injury trial

When play is stopped for a goalkeeper injury, the manager must nominate an outfield teammate to leave the pitch.

That player stays off for at least one minute after the restart.

Exceptions

The rule does not apply when:

• A foul is awarded against an opponent for the goalkeeper incident
• The goalkeeper collides with an outfield teammate who also needs treatment
• The goalkeeper is bleeding

The trial is designed to remove the tactical benefit of using a goalkeeper injury stoppage for team instructions or time-wasting.

Does the nominated player lose FPL minutes?

Official FPL has not announced a separate scoring rule for this temporary absence.

The player has not been substituted and remains part of the match.

Managers should therefore avoid inventing a direct appearance-point penalty unless official FPL publishes additional guidance.

The main impact is indirect.

Possible indirect effects

• The team temporarily defends with one fewer outfield player
• An opponent can create a chance during the minute
• A clean sheet can be lost
• The nominated player can miss an attacking phase
• A set-piece taker may be absent for a restart
• A captain can temporarily leave the field

These events should be rare and unpredictable.

One-minute exit after treatment

Outfield players who receive on-field treatment or assessment must leave for at least one minute.

The previous Premier League approach used a shorter period.

FPL impact

This can matter when:

• A centre-back leaves before a defensive set piece
• A penalty taker is off the field
• A team concedes while reorganising
• A player misses an attacking phase
• A manager responds with an earlier substitution

It does not mean the player has been substituted.

Five-second countdown for throw-ins

When a player is judged to be delaying a throw-in, the referee can begin a five-second countdown.

If the delay continues, the throw-in can be awarded to the opposition.

Possible FPL impact

• More possession turnovers
• Fewer opportunities to waste time
• Additional transitions
• Possible yellow-card reduction if reversal is used instead
• Greater pressure on defenders late in matches

The effect is too small and unpredictable to drive player selection.

Delayed goal kicks can become corners

A delayed goal kick can be changed into a corner for the opposition.

This is the rule with the clearest potential Fantasy event.

An awarded corner can lead to:

• A goal
• An assist
• A saved shot
• Bonus Points System actions
• A clean-sheet loss
• Set-piece involvement

Centre-backs with aerial threat and corner takers may gain isolated opportunities, but managers cannot predict which goalkeeper or defender will trigger the sanction.

Ten-second substitution exit

A player being substituted has 10 seconds to leave the field.

When the departure is excessively slow, the substitute may have to wait until the first stoppage after one minute has elapsed before entering.

FPL implications

For the outgoing player:

• The match appearance remains recorded normally
• The player may receive a card for other misconduct where applicable
• The player does not gain extra useful FPL minutes by delaying

For the incoming player:

• Entry can be delayed
• A late substitute can lose part of a short appearance
• The chance of reaching the appearance threshold may be affected in an extreme case
• The substitute can miss an attacking or defensive event

This reinforces why regular starters are safer FPL picks than players relying on short substitute appearances.

Second-yellow VAR reviews

VAR can review a second yellow card that results in a red card.

This does not allow VAR to search for every possible second yellow. It applies to a second yellow that has already been awarded and caused a dismissal.

FPL impact

A corrected dismissal can affect:

• Red-card deductions
• Clean-sheet outcomes
• Goals conceded after the incident
• Match minutes
• Bonus points
• The following suspension

Managers should wait for official processing before treating a live red-card outcome as final.

Holding and goalkeeper challenges

Referees will continue focusing on impactful holding and unfair contact that prevents a goalkeeper from playing the ball.

Possible outcomes

• More penalties from clear holding
• More attacking fouls against goalkeepers
• More cards
• Goals ruled out after review
• Greater uncertainty at crowded set pieces

Set-piece defenders can gain from stronger holding enforcement while attackers risk fouls against goalkeepers.

Rules that should not change your draft

Do not buy a player because:

• His team might receive a corner from a delayed goal kick
• A rival goalkeeper might require treatment
• A substitute might enter one minute later
• A defender could benefit from holding enforcement

These are match-level events, not reliable forecasting inputs.

What should affect your draft?

Continue prioritising:

1. Expected minutes
2. Tactical role
3. Penalties and set pieces
4. Fixtures
5. Price
6. Team strength
7. Injuries
8. Rotation

Use the OneFPL Player Lab and OneFPL Fixtures for those decisions.

OneFPL verdict

The new rules are important for understanding live matches, but they should not drive preseason player selection.

The goalkeeper injury trial and one-minute treatment rule can create temporary numerical disadvantages. The restart countdown can create additional turnovers or corners. The substitution limit may reduce very short substitute appearances.

The effects are indirect and difficult to predict.

FAQ

Does the goalkeeper injury trial deduct FPL points?

No direct FPL deduction has been announced.

Does the nominated teammate count as substituted?

No. The player temporarily leaves and can return after the required period.

Can a delayed goal kick become a corner?

Yes, under the new countdown measures.

Can VAR review every second yellow?

The new review relates to a second yellow already awarded that results in a red card.

Should these rules change my Gameweek 1 team?

Not materially. Expected minutes, role, fixtures and price remain much more important.

Official sources

• Official goalkeeper injury trial
• Premier League Football Principles and law changes

OneFPL is an independent Fantasy Premier League companion and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Premier League or Fantasy Premier League.