Premier League: Referees could train with players from next season onwards
Referees could start to train with Premier League teams in an attempt to not only improve the officials' performance in games but also relationships with players, according to the Daily Mail.
Soccer has not suffered many modifications throughout historycomparedto other sports, but it did have its fair share of changes in recent times with the useof technology and the creation of new formats for different competitions.
The English Premier League could also implement a significant change of its own from next season onwards by having referees and players training together during the week. According to the Daily Mail,this idea came from Ralf Rangnick.
The Manchester United interim manager has reportedly proposed this in a recent summit and it hadconsensus. The reasons behind this unconventional idea would be to improve relationships between players and referees before games.
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Referees could start to train with Premier League clubs
Arsenal players all over referee Andrew Madley in a Premier League game. (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Rangnick has reportedly came up with the idea after many managers complained about the officials’ performances in different games. The referees body PGMOL would consider this revolutionary idea so that refs can train at the world-class facilities from the English clubs.
Even though it may take some time before a decision is made about this proposal, referees would not only train with clubs but they could also officiate in practice games as a simulation or preparation for the real matches. If the idea is approved, it could be put into effect fromnext season.
Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Managing Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of multiple sports, including NFL and soccer, with a specialty in original content and real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Managing Editor since May 2025, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis with interviews and exclusive content.
