Source:
REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
[Saba
Sports News] The Premier League has announced its intention to introduce new
rules regarding the involvement of ball boys during matches. According to
reports from British media, ball boys will no longer be permitted to hand the
ball directly to players on the field. This decision comes in response to a
recent incident in an FA Cup match involving Wolves, where the ball boy took an
extended period of time to return the ball to the visiting team, leading to
criticism from Coventry manager Mark Gordon Robins. The incident sparked a
broader discussion on how teams utilize ball boys to gain an advantage or
potentially disrupt visiting teams. In light of this, the Premier League has taken
action and will implement new guidelines immediately. Under the new rules, ball
boys will no longer be allowed to have direct contact with players. Instead,
they will be required to place the ball on 14 plastic cones strategically
positioned around the pitch. These cones will be placed in specific locations,
with two balls positioned behind each goal and five balls along each sideline.
Players will need to retrieve a new ball from one of these designated areas
when necessary. The aim of this change is to ensure fair play and prevent any
potential manipulation or delay tactics involving ball boys during matches in
the Premier League.