The latest change in the Premier League rulebook will see goalkeepers get penalised for holding on to the ball for too long.
Starting this season, an ‘eight-second rule’ will be introduced in an effort to clamp down on time-wasting.
If a goalkeeper does not distribute the ball after eight seconds, the opposing team will be awarded with a corner.
This innovation replaces the existing six-second rule, where the punishment is an indirect free-kick.
However, this rule was seen as too harsh and is seldom applied anyway.
It is believed that the new law will be more stringently administered.
Referees will warn goalkeepers with a five-second countdown, starting from when they have held the ball for three seconds.
But if opponents obstruct or pressure the goalkeeper during the countdown, the referee will stop the count and award a free-kick in favour of the goalkeeper.
Are there any other new rules this season?
On top of the eight-second rule, there are two more major law changes, as well as a few minor tweaks.
Now, only team captains are permitted to approach match officials during games.
Unauthorised player interactions may result in a yellow card.
If the captain is a goalkeeper, a designated outfield player must speak with the referee on a protesting player’s behalf.
This is to prevent goalkeepers traversing the pitch to have a conversation with the referee, then returning to their box, ultimately delaying the game.
Another significant rule change is the double-touch penalty retake.
Penalties will now be retaken if the kicker inadvertently touches the ball twice but scores.
Deliberate double-touching, however, leads to an indirect free-kick to the defending team.
Previously, if a player touched the ball twice, the goal was automatically disallowed, regardless of perceived intent.
As for the minor changes, if a ball accidentally hits a non-player before it goes out of the play, an indirect free-kick is awarded.
During penalties, assistant referees will now stand in line with the penalty spot, not the goal line.
The semi-automated offside system is now permanent in the Premier League after successful trials last year.
Fans will be offered an exciting new insight, with some opening-weekend matches trialling referees wearing body-mounted cameras.
Lastly, in what is a sure sign that a new Premier League season is upon us, referees have again promised to clamp down on grappling between players on set-pieces.