How the Premier League's handball law will be simplified in the 2024-25 season - explained

At the end of the 2023-24 Premier League season, several clubs raised the issue of too many handballs being given by officials in matches and that the law was too harsh. After listening to the arguments, the league have decided to simplify the law to give defenders the benefit of the doubt in certain situations, according to Henry Winter.

Under the new simplified law, it will not be expected that every touch off a player's arm or hand is an offence. Defenders will also be able to play without holding their arms behind their backs. If a player's arm is in a justifiable position, referees will not give a penalty should the ball hit them via a deflection, if they are falling or are close to the ball. Officials will be expected to use their own judgment to decide whether a player has their arm in a natural position.

In the 2023-24 campaign, 108 penalties were given in total in the Premier League. However, England's top flight has one of the lowest rates for spot-kicks given due to handball.

The relaxation of the handball rule should lead to less controversy in matches for the upcoming campaign. It may take some getting used to for all parties, particularly fans, but players can now put their bodies on the line without fear of being unfairly penalised by officials.