Manchester United could face Premier League investigations and potential regulatory measures following their 2-1 victory over Chelsea. Social media footage shows Harry Maguire is hampering the multiball protocol after being replaced in the second half.
Judge Peter Banks instructed him to leave at the nearest point, rather than crossing the pitch when he was replaced by Renny Yoro. Maguire’s path then took him behind the target that Chelsea had defended in the second half. He technically violated Premier League regulations by mischievously knocking the ball from one of the cones while he was on his way. The two exchange balls sit on the cone behind each goal line along the 18-yard box.
Players must collect them from these locations and resume playing. The multiball system is designed to minimize disruption in the match as the ball leaves the field of play.
The Premier League claims that the system, first launched in the 2022/23 campaign, is “to maintain a flow of coincidence and reduce delays.”
They emphasize that “compliance with relevant rules and guidance is extremely important to maintain consistency and, importantly, to ensure that home clubs do not gain competitive advantage through misuse of the system.”
Outfield players must collect the ball rather than collecting the match ball or receiving the ball from the cone from the ball assistant.
The goalkeeper preparing to kick the goal is the only player the ball assistant behind each goal can provide the ball.
The Multiball System states that “participants (including, but not limited to, players, substitutes, technical area residents, or other club personnel) must not interfere with the Multiball System, Matchball, or Exchange Ball at any time.”
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Additionally, “If we fail to follow the multiball protocol, we will be referred to the Premier League for further investigation and possible regulatory measures under the Premier League rules.”
Although serious consequences of the incident are unlikely, Maguire may now rethink his future actions.
