Explainers

Subterms

    More stories

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      What Premier League laws and rules have changed for the 2024/25 season?

      by

      THE Premier League returns THIS WEEK as fans gear up for another season of thrilling action.But you will notice some tweaks to the way the game is officiated this term – SunSport details all the changes below.Premier League referees will apply certain rules differently this seasonCredit: ALAMYPremier League rule changes for 2024/25 seasonSubs warming upThis season, Premier League clubs will be allowed to have as many as five players warm up on the perimeter of the pitch during a match at any one time.Last term, teams were only allowed three players warming up on the side of the pitch at once.The change for the coming campaign corresponds with teams being able to make five substitutions at any period.READ MORE IN PREMIER LEAGUEMore players will be allowed to warm up on the side of the pitch this seasonCredit: GETTYMultiballThe Premier League will continue to practice the multiball system in 2024/25, with 15 balls in use to speed up the pace of the game.When the ball goes out of play and it is not quickly retrievable, players must go to the nearest cone to collect a replacement ball and restart play.Previously, ball assistants were not permitted to return a ball directly to a player but return to a vacant cone.Most read in FootballFrom this season, ball assistants that are positioned behind the goals at the end where the ball goes out are allowed to return a ball to the goalkeeper, who will take the restart.If a club’s technical area staff deliberately delay the restart of play by holding on to the ball or kicking the ball away, they will be sent off.Any players in the technical area who do the same will be shown a yellow card.15 balls will be in use during every Premier League matchCredit: REXMore accurate calculation of added timeFrom the 2024/25 campaign, when a goal is scored, match officials will only start adding time on to the end of the match when the delay between the goal and subsequent kick-off exceeds 30 seconds.This change aims to significantly reduce the amount of stoppage time in each game.The Premier League are aiming to reduce the amount of added time at the end of every match this seasonCredit: GETTYWhat football laws have changed ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season?The International Football Association Board (IFAB) have made some changes to the laws of the game ahead of the new Premier League season.Here are all the key law changes that will affect the Premier League:Law 12 – Fouls and MisconductClarification that non-deliberate handball offences for which penalties are awarded are to be sanctioned in the same way as fouls which are an attempt to play the ball or a challenge for the ballLaw 14 – The Penalty KickClarification that part of the ball must touch or overhang the centre of the penalty markEncroachment by players will be penalised only if it has an impact (same philosophy as goalkeeper encroachment)Will semi-automated offsides be in use during the 2024/25 Premier League season?In April, 2024, Premier League clubs approved unanimously the use of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) for the 2024/25 campaign.The Premier League have stated the plan is to introduce the system after one of the international breaks in September or October – meaning the technology will not be in use for the start of the season.Semi-automated offsides should reduce errors and speed up decisionsCredit: BBCAccording to FIFA, semi-automated offside technology helps them make ‘’faster, more reproducible, and more accurate offside decisions’’.The tech uses 12 tracking cameras mounted underneath the roof of the stadium to track the ball and up to 29 data points of each individual player – calculating their exact position on the pitch, plus a chip in the ball to determine if it was played by a defender or attacker.So, in the case of an offside situation, the video operations room will receive an automated alert alongside an automatically selected point and instant drawn lines within seconds of the incident.Match officials will then have to validate the proposed selected kick point and the drawn offside line before VAR communicates the final decision on the pitch.Extra VAR officials will be in charge of calling offsides, with the algorithm providing a 3D animation to explain a call in an average of 25 seconds.That illustration is then available on the giant screens within the stadium for TV viewers to take a look at in the next stoppage of play.However, complex incidents or multiple incidents that occur at the same time can require a more thorough review of the situation.And in the event that semi-automated offside technology does not work correctly, the video match officials can still use other well-known offside support tools.A change to Premier League team newsIn years gone by, fans of Premier League clubs have expected team news to come exactly one hour before kick off on a matchday.However, for the coming season, the rules have changed to allow all 20 clubs to release their line-ups 75 minutes before the match begins.This change means that top-flight clubs kicking off at 3pm on a Saturday can now release their team sheets at 1.45pm.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis adjustment is a bid to align with rules in Uefa competitions.It is also an attempt to stop leaks in the 15 minutes between the teams being given to the referee and being announced publicly. More

    • 113 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Who will Chelsea play in Uefa Conference League play-off?

      by

      CHELSEA begin their Premier League campaign with a daunting clash against defending champions Manchester City.But ahead of that game the Blues will also have one eye on a match in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday night.Chelsea await their opponents in the Uefa Conference League a week ThursdayCredit: AlamyThat’s because Enzo Maresca’s side will find out who they play in their Uefa Conference League play-off.Who can Chelsea face in the Uefa Conference League play-off?Qualifying for the Uefa Conference League main draw has been in full swing for more than a month – the first phase started on July 11, just before the Euro 2024 final.Chelsea will enter the competition at the play-off round, the FOURTH and final stage ahead of the group phase.The draw for that round took place on August 5, with Chelsea drawn against either Swiss club Servette or Portuguese side Braga.Those two teams are actually playing for a place in the Europa League – the winner will go on to face a play-off for a place in that competition and the losers face Chelsea.The first leg was played in Portugal on July 8 and favourites Braga – who finished fourth in the Primeira Liga – could only manage a 0-0 draw with Servette, who finished third in the Swiss Super League.They now head to Geneva for the second leg on Thursday, July 15.When do Chelsea start their Uefa Conference League campaign?Once the result is settled on Thursday night, Maresca and his coaching staff can begin preparation for the first leg.Most read in FootballMan City come first on Sunday, of course, but the Blues will only have to wait until Thursday, August 22 to begin their European adventure.The first leg will be played at Stamford Bridge – kick off is still TBC – with the second leg played away on Thursday, August 29.It will be a busy start for Chelsea, who also travel to Wolves on August 25 and host Crystal Palace on September 1.Should they progress against Braga or Servette, the for the group phase takes place on August 30 and the first game is on October 3. More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      When is the Carabao Cup second round draw? Date, time, TV channel and live stream as Premier League sides enter the hat

      by

      THE 2024/25 Carabao Cup gets underway this week – with some blockbuster ties kicking off the competition.Sheffield United take on Wrexham at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night, while Championship powerhouses Leeds and Middlesbrough go head-to-head on Wednesday evening.Liverpool are the reigning Carabao Cup championsCredit: GETTYA total of 32 round one ties will take place across Tuesday and Wednesday this week.Burnley and Luton will enter the hat for the second round draw alongside the 13 Premier League clubs that are not competing in Europe this season.The other seven top flight sides with European commitments will join the competition in the third round.SunSport has all the information you need ahead of the Carabao Cup second round draw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen is the Carabao Cup second round draw?The Carabao Cup second round draw will take place following the conclusion of Leeds vs Middlesbrough on Wednesday, August 14.The draw is set to take place at approximately 10.15pm BST.The draw will remain regionalised, with the draw split into southern and northern sections until round three.What TV channel is the Carabao Cup second round draw on and can it be live streamed?The Carabao Cup second round draw will be broadcast on Sky Sports Football.Sky Sports customers can live stream the action via the NOW app/website or the Sky Sports app/website.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with the draw by following SunSport’s live blog.When will the Carabao Cup second round fixtures take place?Carabao Cup second round ties will take place the week commencing August 26.Fixtures will likely be scheduled for Tuesday, August 27 and Wednesday, August 28.Sky Sports customers can broadcast every Carabao Cup match via Sky Sports Plus. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Is Arsenal vs Wolves on TV? Gunners host Gary O’Neil’s side in a tricky Premier League opener – stream, team news

      by

      ARSENAL will be hoping they can finally end their Premier League trophy drought this season – and a tough opening fixture against Wolves is first on the to-do list.The Gunners feel right back at home after spending most of their pre-season overseas.Arsenal have won their last two games at home including a 2-0 Lyon winCredit: GettyPedro Neto left Wolves to sign for ChelseaCredit: GettySince their 2-1 loss to Liverpool in Philadelphia, Mikel Arteta’s men have run riot against German champions Bayer Leverkusen.And they comfortably beat French giants Lyon 2-0 – both at the Emirates.So they’ll be oozing with confidence knowing that their 2024/25 opening Premier League match is on home soil.Furthermore, Gary O’Neil has arguably lost his best player Pedro Neto to Chelsea which is a huge boost for the Arsenal defence.Read more on Arsenal However, Wolves have never started a league season with defeat in four seasons in a row – and they are currently on three.When is Arsenal vs Wolves?Arsenal vs Wolves will take place on Saturday, August 17.It is scheduled to kick off at 3pm BST.Emirates Stadium is the allocated venue for this thrilling opening match and it can host approximately 60,704 passionate fans.Goals from Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard fired Arsenal to a 2-0 win when the sides last met in April.Is Arsenal vs Wolves on TV and can it be live streamed?Arsenal vs Wolves will NOT be broadcast live on TV in the UK.This is due to the Saturday, 3pm football blackout rule.Fans can stream the highlights of the match through Sky Sports’ official YouTube channel once the game has concluded.Alternatively, SunSport will have minute-by-minute coverage of the whole match through our live blog.What is the team news?Arsenal fans will be hoping to see a bit more of £42million summer signing Riccardo Calafiori after seeing his impressive debut against Lyon.Most read in FootballRiccardo Calafiori got his first run out for Arsenal last weekendCredit: AlamyAnd there is a debate on whether he could slot straight into left-back with Jurrien Timber becoming a doubt due to a foot injury and Takehiro Tomiyasu out with a knee problem.Elsewhere, Gary O’Neil will be delighted with the news that midfield maestro Matheus Cunha has shaken off his hamstring issues ahead of this huge opening clash.However, the Wolves boss has confirmed that Jorgen Strand Larsen and Mario Lemina will need to take late fitness test due to them both feeling discomfort after the recent Rayo Vallecano defeat. More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Fulham vs Man Utd: Red Devils kickstart Premier League season with tough trip to London – stream, TV channel, team news

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED travel to Fulham on Friday night as the Premier League kicks off with a bang.The Red Devils ended pre-season with a defeat on penalties to rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield.Alejandro Garnacho was on the scoresheet against Manchester City in the Community ShieldCredit: GETTYEmile Smith Rowe will be hoping to hit the ground running for FulhamCredit: GETTYErik ten Hag’s men were minutes away from securing a win over their neighbours, but Bernardo Silva’s late strike took the tie to spot kicks.Man Utd have undergone a major restructure under Sir Jim Ratcliffe as he looks to be the man to steer the club back to being title contenders.Ten Hag has added the likes of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee this summer, with Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui reportedly on the verge of joining the club.Fulham will be aiming to build on last season’s 13th-place finish but will be without last season’s star man Joao Palhinha, following his £47m switch to Bayern Munich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEmile Smith Rowe is Marco Silva’s standout summer signing so far as the former Arsenal man looks to kickstart his career after injury issues in previous seasons.When is Fulham vs Man Utd?Fulham vs Man Utd will take place on Friday, August 16.Kick off will be at 8pm BST.Craven Cottage will host.What TV channel is Fulham vs Man Utd on and can it be live streamed?Fulham vs Man Utd will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event.Sky Sports customers can live stream all the action via the NOW app/website.Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.Team newsFulham fans will be hoping that new signing Emile Smith Rowe is handed a start in their Premier League curtain raiser.Most read in FootballMarco Silva currently has no injury issues for his side’s opener against Man Utd.Meanwhile, the Red Devils will be without new £52m signing Leny Yoro as he continues to recover from surgery.Rasmus Hojlund is expected to miss the first month of the season after suffering an injury in a pre-season match against Arsenal.Luke Shaw could feature after returning from injury at the back end of Euro 2024 with England.Victor Lindelof didn’t play any part against Man City in the Community Shield, but his injury is not believed to be serious. More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd vs Fulham: Red Devils kickstart Premier League season with tough test against Cottagers – stream, team news

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED host Fulham on Friday night as the Premier League kicks off with a bang.The Red Devils ended pre-season with a defeat on penalties to rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield.Alejandro Garnacho was on the scoresheet against Manchester City in the Community ShieldCredit: GETTYEmile Smith Rowe will be hoping to hit the ground running for FulhamCredit: GETTYErik ten Hag’s men were minutes away from securing a win over their neighbours, but Bernardo Silva’s late strike took the tie to spot kicks.Man Utd have undergone a major restructure under Sir Jim Ratcliffe as he looks to be the man to steer the club back to being title contenders.Ten Hag has added the likes of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee this summer, with Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui reportedly on the verge of joining the club.Fulham will be aiming to build on last season’s 13th-place finish but will be without Joao Palhinha, following his £47m switch to Bayern Munich.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEmile Smith Rowe is Marco Silva’s standout summer signing so far as the former Arsenal man looks to kickstart his career after injury issues in previous seasons.When is Man Utd vs Fulham?Man Utd vs Fulham will take place on Friday, August 16.Kick off will be at 8pm BST.Old Trafford will host.What TV channel is Man Utd vs Fulham on and can it be live streamed?Man Utd vs Fulham will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event.Sky Sports customers can live stream all the action via the NOW app/website.Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to keep up to date with all the action.Team newsThe Red Devils will be without new £52m signing Leny Yoro as he continues to recover from surgery.Most read in FootballRasmus Hojlund is expected to miss the first month of the season after suffering an injury in a pre-season match against Arsenal.Luke Shaw could feature after returning from injury at the back end of Euro 2024 with England.Victor Lindelof didn’t play any part against Man City in the Community Shield, but his injury is not believed to be serious.Meanwhile, Fulham fans will be hoping that new signing Emile Smith Rowe is handed a start in their Premier League curtain raiser.Marco Silva currently has no injury issues for his side’s opener against Man Utd. More

    • 125 Shares129 Views

      in Athletics

      Why is Denise Lewis stepping down as a BBC pundit?

      by

      DENISE LEWIS has been a key part of the BBC’s athletics coverage over the years, particularly at the Olympics. But the Paris 2024 games will be her last in the Beeb studio as she has decided to step down from her punditry role. Denise Lewis will no longer carry out her punditry role for the BBCCredit: GettyLewis became a legendary athlete for Team GB, winning heptathlon bronze at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. She followed that up by winning gold in Sydney four years later, quickly becoming a household name. Lewis also won two World Championship silvers, a European gold and two Commonwealth golds. Why is Denise Lewis stepping down as a BBC pundit?Lewis, 51, has been on our screens since 2009 but after a 15-year run she’s calling it quits.READ MORE ON DENISEThe Birmingham-born legend is set to return to her job as the President of UK Athletics.The news was announced on-air in the Stade de France studio with an emotional montage just one day before the end of the Paris 2024 Olympics.Legendary American sprinter Michael Johnson handed Lewis some flowers immediately after and Jessica Ennis-Hill wished her idol all the best for the future. Presenter Gabby Logan said: “I’m a super fan and I got to call her a colleague.Most read in Olympics”Denise, you’re generous, kind, fun and brilliant to work with. We are going to miss you so much – not just you’re athletics expertise but as a person.”We wish you all the very best. They have chosen the right person for the job.”Denise Lewis OBE on career challenges, inspirations and winning Olympic goldLewis said: “It’s a sad farewell, honestly, the best team. “Gabby at the helm, Jess, MJ and the whole production team, they are all here.”They make this programme what it is, all the runners over the years, they have been the most supportive, our fantastic editors, it has been a journey.”Denise also praised her former colleagues on Instagram posting a montage of pictures.She shared: For me it’s always about the people and over the last 15 years I’ve worked alongside some of the best. “Thank you @colinrayjackson for guiding me through those nerve wracking first few days when I joined the BBC sport team in 2009. “A massive thank you to the production teams, lighting & camera crews. Floor managers, runners and statisticians. Glam squad. We’ve had a hoot!”I’ll still be watching my favourite sport but from a different seat… hopefully the next seat will be cushioned.”Denise stepped down from the UK Athletics presidency in February 2024, after concerns over integrity were raised due to her decision to continue working as an athletics pundit for BBC Sport.At the time she said: “I’ve had to make the difficult decision to temporarily step away from my role as UKA president – with the upcoming Olympics and a hectic summer ahead.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I would only want to accept the role when it can have my full attention.”Denise has been a key part of the BBC athletics commentary team since 2009, after retiring from the sport in 2005. More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Does the Community Shield go to extra-time or will Man City vs Man Utd go straight to penalties if it’s a draw?

      by

      THE annual curtain raiser to the Premier League season, the Community Shield, is finally here!This year Premier League winners’ Man City are taking on rivals Man Utd, who beat them in the FA Cup final. The Community Shield at Wembley is hereDoes the Community Shield go to extra-time?No. The match goes straight to penalties after extra-time if the score is level after 90 minutes.Since 1993, the Community Shield has gone to penalties and is not shared between the teams if it is a draw.Between 1949 and 1991, the shield was shared 11 times.MOST READ IN FOOTBALLWhat happened in the FA Cup finalManchester United shocked rivals City 2-0 in the final thanks to goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes.The big win ended City’s hopes of winning the double.When is the Community Shield?The Community Shield between Manchester City and Manchester United will take place on Saturday, August 10.It is scheduled to get underway at 3pm BST.Wembley Stadium is the allocated arena for this huge curtain-raiser and it can host approximately 90,000 roaring fans.What TV channel is the Community Shield on?The Community Shield will be broadcast LIVE on ITV 1 in the UK.Coverage will begin at 2.15pm BST – 45 minutes before kick-off.Mark Pougatch will be joined by Roy Keane and Ian Wright to present the Community Shield on ITV 1. More