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Premier League fans are missing out with time-wasting meaning the ball is in play barely 56 per cent of an average game; despite an increased number of cautions for yellow cards, the situation is getting worse; IFAB will meet to discuss solutions next week
The amount of football being played in the Premier League has hit an all-time low.
The league considered the world's best top-flight competition is seeing more time lost to slow restarts, delaying tactics and time-consuming injuries than ever, and officials are struggling to keep up with time-wasting.
New Premier League referees chief Howard Webb believes it is the most discussed issue in the game outside of VAR - but is reluctant to follow the lead of last month's World Cup to address what has become a long-term issue.
At an average Premier League game this season, the ball has been in play for less than 56 per cent of the match. That figure has been falling consistently over the past 10 years and with 2022/23 the lowest on record.
Frustrations had set in even before that slide, to the point then-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson suggested taking timekeeping out of the hands of referees as far back as 2012.
Although he was protecting his own side's interests, the sentiment was and remains widely shared. A number of managers and executives have already complained to the media this season, as well as to the Premier League referees' body (PGMOL).
Sky Sports analysis has found that in 23 games this season, Premier League fans have sat through matches where the ball was out of play for more than half of the playing time.