Premier League ‘in talks’ to introduce one of the most significant mid-game rule changes ever but top clubs aren’t convinced

The Premier League are said to be ‘in talks’ with clubs regarding a drastic mid-game rule change.

The top clubs are supposedly not convinced about the idea of changing the rules. Fans may have caught a glimpse of Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier speaking to Sky Sports during the game against Southampton.

As ever, when new rules or technology is introduced clubs and supporters tend to avoid change.

Goal-line technology was introduced during the 2014 World Cup and for the most part, this has worked a treat and helps match officials with close calls.

Ahead of the 2019/20 season, VAR was introduced and to this day still causes a debate among supporters and the media.

On Monday evening, the Cherries man was substituted on 76 minutes and was interviewed by reporters on the side of the pitch.

This is regular practice in several US and UK-based sports with cricketers even engaging in conversations with broadcasters while the match in ongoing through a wireless headset.

Mid-game interviews could be introduced as early as the 2025/26 Premier League season. However, there is reportedly stark opposition to the new format from several of the league’s biggest clubs according to the Daily Mail.

In contrast, teams in the bottom half of the division see the concept as a way of promoting their player’s and club’s brands.

The Premier League are said to be monitoring how pit lane interviews in motorsports and wicket-keeper cam in cricket enhance insight for viewers of TV broadcasts.

Recently, during a MLB baseball game Houston’s Jeremy Pena was being interviewed by Apple TV’s broadcast team. Pena then committed an error while the interview was ongoing, making him the second player from the team to experience the feat in the space of a month, reports The Mirror US.

The Premier League’s concept does not look as extreme, in the sense of speaking directly with participating players. But they will need to ensure any teething problems are ironed out if they hope to introduce this in time for next season.

There have already been trials of the concept, with Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell interviewed during a Premier League Summer Series fixture against Brighton in 2023. The left-back had played the first half of the fixture.