Ten balls will be in use at each match in a bid to speed up play
The Premier League is set to introduce a number of new rules for the forthcoming season in an attempt to speed up play and cut down on time-wasting.
As reported by the Daily Mail, the English top-flight will introduce a multi-ball system this campaign, with 10 match balls in use at every match.
The report adds that, alongside the ball in play, the fourth official will be equipped with a match ball and eight will be placed at various points around the pitch on cones, with two behind each goal and two along each touchline.
🗞 The Premier League is to introduce a multi-ball system for the forthcoming season with 10 match balls in use at each top-flight game in an attempt to speed up play and cut down on time-wasting. [@MikeKeegan_DM]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) July 18, 2022
However, the balls put behind the goal must be placed in a certain position so that they do not interfere with the Hawk-Eye goal decision system.
Premier League clubs have also been informed that they need to use a minimum of eight ball assistants, who are required to make eye contact with the player before passing them the ball.
The ball boys – usually made up of academy players at the club – must also give the ball at the same speed to both clubs.
Moyes will need to keep his cool…
Last season, West Ham United manager David Moyes was sent-off during the Hammers’ Europa League defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt after appearing to kick a ball towards a ball boy.
Obviously disappointed by flow of the game, Moyes let out his frustration in a less than ideal manner, when he appeared to boot a ball with some vigour towards a ball assistant.
Another red card for West Ham…
This time it's for David Moyes! 😳
The manager smashes the ball back in anger and is sent down the tunnel… #UEL pic.twitter.com/YYTZrqp2dg
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 5, 2022
Presumably annoyed by the delay and wanting to get the game going in a hurry, the former Manchester United boss let his anger boil over and was lucky his strike narrowly missed the ball boy.
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