English Football League rolls out new season rule changes and TV fixture schedule

The English Football League (EFL) has issued a set of rule changes for the upcoming Championship season aimed at curbing time‑wasting, improving game flow and addressing holding in the penalty area. New procedures include a five‑second count for goal‑kicks and throw‑ins when players delay play, revised rules for substitutes leaving the field and a trial allowing goalkeepers a brief injury timeout. Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg welcomed the measures, saying they should “put some pace on the game” after his side struggled with disruptive tactics last season.

In a separate announcement, the EFL released the latest television‑selected fixtures for League One, moving several Leicester City matches to Sky Sports broadcasts. Notable changes include the Sheffield Wednesday clash, now on Sky Sports Football on 10 December at 20:00, the Luton Town visit on 24 October at 12:30 on Sky Sports+, and the Leyton Orient game on 29 December at 19:45 on Sky Sports+. The schedule adjustment affects six of Leicester’s games through early January 2027, providing fans with advance notice of broadcast times.

Both announcements reflect the EFL’s effort to enhance the spectator experience and ensure consistent officiating across the English football pyramid.