Tottenham and Newcastle have 'problem' amid new Premier League rules - Ex-refs chief

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United could be the greatest affected as the Premier League attempt to clamp down on time-wasting ahead of next season.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Roberto De Zerbi and Eddie Howe will need to be in communication with Howard Webb and his officials.

It is understood that the FA are set to introduce five-second countdowns on throw-ins and goal-kicks, which football fans will be able to see in action during the 2026 World Cup.

A study back in April found that the Lilywhites and the Magpies were two of the guiltiest clubs when it came to the least percentage of time with the ball in-play in the Premier League.

PGMOL to work with Roberto De Zerbi and Eddie Howe

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee sent a warning two both clubs ahead of 2026-27, suggesting that bringing a referee into the training ground before the season kicks off would solve future misunderstandings.

"I think that if coaches at Premier League clubs are not aware of the law and do not plan to educate their players and inform their players, then they've got a problem," Hackett said.

"So, for me, I think what they have to do is they have to have days where they bring in a referee, maybe a PGMOL referee, and get them get to officiate a game behind closed doors where the new laws are applied.

"That's the first thing – education. The PGMOL will bring all the managers together and educate them on the new laws."

What other additions are being made to the FA's rulebook this summer?

Goal-kicks and throw-ins will not be the only incidents under the microscope, starting from next season, with not all of them being time-wasting related.

Also being tested at the 2026 World Cup is VAR intervening on wrongfully-awarded second yellow cards, which result in a sending off.

Far too often are players given their marching orders for too harsh of a second-yellow decision, and referees will now be given the chance to correct their mistakes.

There will also be the option of reviewing corner decisions and overturning the awarding, but only if it can be made immediately and without bringing a halt to play.