Leeds United facing changes to decide offside calls and Premier League announce fresh breakaway sanctions

LEEDS United will experience thicker lines to decide VAR offside calls upon their second season in the Premier League.
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Leeds were among the clubs to endure dismay with VAR calls during the 2020-21 season, notably when Whites striker Patrick Bamford was judged offside by his arm when scoring what looked like an equalising goal in November's clash at Crystal Palace.

But the Professional Game Match Officials Limited group is now set to introduce thicker lines to judge offside decisions next season in a hope to give the benefit back to the attacking team.

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The move was agreed at the Premier League s AGM on Thursday which lasted eight hours.

DISMAY: For Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford, above, in November's defeat at Crystal Palace, pictured, due to the tightest of offside calls. Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images.DISMAY: For Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford, above, in November's defeat at Crystal Palace, pictured, due to the tightest of offside calls. Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images.
DISMAY: For Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford, above, in November's defeat at Crystal Palace, pictured, due to the tightest of offside calls. Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images.

The Premier League also released a statement following the meeting in relation to introducing new rules to further protect the division and stave off any threat of a breakaway European Super League.

It was announced on Wednesday that the six clubs who were planning to join a breakaway Super League would make a contribution of £22 million to go towards the good of the game, including new investment in support for fans, grassroots football and community programmes.

Those six clubs - namely Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham - also agreed to support rule changes so that any similar actions in the future would lead to a 30 point deduction.

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Each of the six clubs, in that event, would also be subject to an additional £25 million fine.

A statement released by the Premier League on Thursday evening read: "At the Premier League’s Annual General Meeting today, Shareholders discussed a range of matters and recommitted to build on the collective of all 20 clubs to benefit the wider game.

"Following yesterday’s agreement between the Premier League, The FA and the six clubs involved in the proposals to form a European Super League, Shareholders today approved rules to further protect the League against any future competition breakaways.

"Clubs in breach of the new rules will be subject to significant sanctions.

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"Clubs also agreed to the principle of an Owners’ Charter, which will reaffirm the values and expectations placed on clubs and their owners.

"These additional rules and regulations are being put in place to ensure the principles of the Premier League and open competition are protected and provide certainty and stability for our clubs and their fans.

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