Rules changes could impact the Premier League

Every new season in football seems to bring a few new rules or things being emphasized by referees, and this one is no exception. In England, however, we might be seeing a few more influential changes than we’re used to, including strict penalties for feigning injuries and firmer rules for managers to follow during matches.

Players faking an injury to get an opponent sent off is something we always fear to see in the sport, with someone dramatically over-exaggerating the effect of a challenge in order to make a player see a second yellow or a straight red. Now, if a post-match review finds evidence of that, though, the faking player could see as much as a three-match ban, while the victim’s suspension is rescinded. That’s a very good change to see in England, and is hopefully something that catches on at a larger scale.

Managers and their technical staff will also be expected to keep to a firmer code of conduct than we’ve seen in the past. On many occasions over the years, we’ve seen managers throw tantrums, kick or throw things at fourth officials, or sarcastically “praise” or applaud a referee’s decision. That’s going to change, though.

If the head referee or fourth official sees it once, that’s a warning. Do it again, and you’re out of the match. Go far enough over the line, and you’ll be sent packing without a second glance. We’ve occasionally seen managers and coaches sent off before, but it usually takes a truly flagrant eruption before that happens. Now, managers will have to keep a firmer leash on their tempers.

It’s probably the most contentious change made to the offside rule, which now allows linesmen and referees greater latitude in deciding whether an offside player not directly involved in the play can be called for a violation or not. It’s intended to keep offside players from being “dummies” to either distract the keeper or create space for an onside player to get to the ball, but some managers, like West Bromwich’s Tony Pulis, fear that the rule is just going to muddy some already murky waters when it comes to how offside calls are made.

Watching how these rules are applied, especially the offside rule, is going to make for some fascinating Premier League viewing over the first few weeks of the season.

Jack Wilshere’s ankle injury is worse than feared, after a scan found a hairline fracture. (Guardian)

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman thinks it’s “crazy” to risk a Europa League qualifying failure by fielding a weakened team. (BBC)

While Liverpool starlet Jordon Ibe has already represented England at three youth levels, Nigeria are trying to get the 19-year-old to commit to playing for their senior international squad. (Liverpool Echo)

While the animations illustrating this piece are quite amusing, the points made about the struggles of managing a Premier League club are 100 percent valid. (ESPN FC)

Swedish defender Andreas Johansson is feeling pretty sheepish after a video of him blatantly diving went viral.(Guardian)

The section in which nothing should be taken seriously. It’s rumor season, so this section will be expanded, and as the summer rolls on, it will probably be bigger than the actual news section.

Javier Hernandez reportedly has a $10 million per season offer on the table on MLS, and will decide whether he joins the league in the next 24 hours. (Pro Soccer Talk)

West Ham are “closing” on a transfer for Barcelona’s Croatian wonderkid, Alen Halilovic. (Metro)

Adnan Januzaj could be forced out at Manchester United if the club bring in Pedro as expected. (ESPN FC)

Fabio Borini could finally be on his way out of Liverpool, with Fiorentina trying to bring him back to Italy. (Sky Sports)

Shakhtar Donetsk thrashed Fenerbahce 3-0 to earn Champions League qualifying advancement. (UEFA)

Club Brugge did more than enough to make their needed Champions League qualifying comeback against Panathinaikos, winning 3-0 to earn a 4-2 aggregate victory in the tie. (UEFA)

River Plate won the Copa Libertadores final 3-0 thanks to a strong second half against UANL Tigres (Fox Sports)

Fiorentina edged Chelsea’s B team, winning the last International Champions Cup match 1-0. (We Ain’t Got No History)

Bayern Munich won the Audi Cup final 1-0 over Real Madrid ... (Bavarian Football Works)

... while Tottenham Hotspur eased past AC Milan by a 2-0 score in the third-place game. (Cartilage Free Captain)

Europa League qualifying continues, including matches for West Ham (2 p.m.), Southampton (2 p.m.) and Borussia Dortmund (2:30 p.m.).

CCL: LA Galaxy vs. Central (10 p.m.) -- The Galaxy and their much-strengthened side look to get their CONCACAF Champions League campaign off to a strong start at home.