Only captains will be allowed to approach referee in the Premier League next season

Starting next season, only captains can approach referees in Premier League matches.

The new guidelines were approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in March. Only one player, usually the captain, can approach the match official.

Referees can tell players not to approach them. They may show yellow cards to players who do so disrespectfully.

If a team's captain is a goalkeeper, clubs must provide an alternative representative before kick-off. However, players can still speak to referees at other times during games.

This initiative has been used in all three UEFA club competitions this season. It is part of a trial process that began at Euro 2024 last summer.

Premier League clubs are still being consulted on these rules. They are expected to be ratified at the annual general meeting next month and introduced for the 2025-26 season.

IFAB will include these guidelines in the Laws of the Game starting July 1, 2025. An IFAB spokesperson stated that while not compulsory yet, they recommend adoption at all levels due to successful implementation by UEFA and various national FAs.

The Women's Super League may also adopt these guidelines. The English Football League (EFL) already has rules against multiple players confronting match officials.

In UEFA competitions this season, a specific hand signal indicates "only the captain" guidelines. This involves extending one arm with a flat hand.

An IFAB spokesperson noted that there is currently no mandatory signal for this rule across different countries. They will review whether a standard signal should be introduced later.

For junior and grassroots football, referees will indicate a captain-only zone by raising both arms above their heads and crossing them at the wrists. Uncrossing their arms with palms open signals that players must not approach them.

This zone extends four meters around the official. Referees can initiate a captain-only zone at any time during a match but will likely do so after major decisions.

This change aims to address increasing abuse faced by referees at all levels of football. In 2023, several organizations introduced a 'participant behaviour charter' giving referees more power over misconduct.

Despite these efforts, serious allegations of assault against match officials increased by 32% in grassroots football from last season. Trials for body cameras on referees are also underway.

IFAB stated that the goal of these new guidelines is to prevent major confrontations and reduce intimidation of officials. Creating a captain-only zone places responsibility on captains to ensure their teammates behave appropriately within it.