Premier League sets 'Football Principles' for 2026/27 season

The Premier League has published its 'Football Principles' and 'Refereeing Points of Emphasis' for the 2026/27 season, outlining how referees will interpret and apply the Laws of the Game. High thresholds for penalising on-field challenges and VAR intervention will be maintained, while referees will place greater emphasis on penalising clear holding actions and illegal challenges on goalkeepers. The Premier League and PGMO will also continue lobbying IFAB for live audio access to refereeing decisions and progressing improvements under the VAR Improvement Plan, including semi-automated offside technology.