The objective of multiball is to minimise interruption to the match when the ball goes out of play by ensuring that replacement balls are readily available to players if required.
There will be 15 match balls in use:
-One ball will be used in play
-One ball will be with the Fourth Official
-13 replacement balls will be distributed evenly around the pitch, including two behind each goal line
When the match ball goes out of play, players must either:
-Retrieve the original match ball themselves to restart play
-Go to the nearest cone to collect a replacement ball themselves to restart play
Rule change
Ball Assistants are not permitted to provide a replacement ball, or return the original match ball, to any outfield Players.
Ball Assistants located behind each goal are permitted to provide a ball only to the goalkeeper of the team who will restart play via a goal kick.
The multiball system
-The cones and the Ball Assistants must remain in the same positions for the entirety of the league match
-Participants (including but not limited to players, substitutes, occupants of the Technical Area or any other Club personnel) must not interfere with the multiball system, the match ball or the replacement balls at any time
-The use of the multiball system will be managed by the Referee who can, if he/she deems it necessary, order that the multiball system be altered or deactivated, and a single ball system be implemented for the remainder of the league match
-Any failure to follow the multiball protocol will be referred to the Premier League for further investigation and possible regulatory action under the Premier League rules
-In the event that an additional ball enters the field of play during the match, the Referee will stop play only if the additional
ball interferes with play. The Referee shall have the additional ball removed at the earliest opportunity (pursuant to Law 5.3 of the IFAB Laws of the Game)
-The replacement balls located behind each goal line must be positioned in line with the 18-yard box
