Revolutionizing the Game: Unveiling the Impact of New Stoppage Time Policy on Premier League and EFL Matches
New stoppage time policy boosts live-action in Premier League and EFL as average ball-in-play time rises significantly Officials' improved monitoring leads to a four-minute increase this season, reversing a 10-year-low figure from the previous year
Everyone has a view on it.
Last season's treble-winning manager Pep Guardiola has said it is treating his players as numbers.
The players themselves have voiced concerns about the potential increase in their workload, which could adversely impact their mental health. There are differing opinions among pundits on this matter, with some agreeing and others disagreeing. The chief of the PFA has expressed his concern, stating that we are heading towards a disaster without being fully aware.
What is the new rule that has sparked such heated debate?
This season, both the Premier League and English Football League have made a commitment to accurately calculate additional time, following the latest guidance from the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
This saw an increase in game time by four minutes and an increase in ball-in-play time by three minutes during World Cup 2022 as compared to the previous World Cup.
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The rule changes aim to prolong the duration of ball play by accurately accounting for time lost during specific game events such as goals, celebrations, substitutions, injuries, and red cards, instead of relying on a set period of added time, typically 30 seconds.
There was a recognized necessity to take action in order to enhance the pace of the game. The previous season witnessed the highest average game time (98.27 minutes) but the lowest average ball-in-play time (54.52 minutes) among all Premier League seasons in the past decade.
Teams were spending at least a minute [on average] celebrating a goal last season, with Crystal Palace spending almost a minute and a half [85 seconds].
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The playing time of Premier League games has only risen by an average of three minutes this season compared to the previous season. This increase has consequently led to a four-minute rise in the average duration of ball-in-play time.
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In the EFL the average game time and average ball-in-play time has increased by more as compared to last season.
should be considered in context, as the average amount of time the ball is in play decreases as we move down the divisions. Therefore, even though there is an eight-minute increase in the average ball-in-play time in League Two, it remains the division with the shortest average ball-in-play time.
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Managers would be delighted to hear that the average game time has decreased in each successive round of EFL fixtures this season. The average ball-in-play decreased during the first two match-days, but then increased again during the third.
It appears that players are becoming familiar with the new time-wasting laws. Yet, it remains to be seen if these regulations will become permanent or phase out as the season goes on.
