What is the Premier League multi-ball system?
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The Premier League has not commented after Liverpool were accused of breaching multi-ball rules during their 2-1 loss to Manchester United.
Following Harry Maguire's late goal to put United ahead at Anfield, ball attendants were seen repeatedly throwing match balls back to Liverpool players, despite rules stating players must collect the ball themselves.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was also seen returning the ball to his players.
The Premier League does not comment on club specific cases, but does remind clubs of its clear guidelines towards their multi-ball protocols.
The system ensures there are multiple footballs ready to replace any that exit the field of play, with 15 match balls in use during a game.
One ball is used in play, one remaining with the fourth official, and the rest on cones distributed evenly along the sidelines and behind the goals.
Players can retrieve the balls from the cones to minimise interruption to the flow of play when a ball leaves the pitch.
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What are the rules in the multi-ball system?
Aston Villa were fined £125,000 by the Premier League for breaching multi-ball regulations last season
The 2022-23 Premier League season introduced the rule that ball boys or girls cannot throw or pass the ball back to players.
Instead, players must pick the ball up themselves from the closest cone, or retrieve the original ball in use and restart play.
Coaching staff are also banned from returning the ball to players.
An exception to this rule applies to goalkeepers, who are allowed to receive the ball from staff positioned behind their goal when restarting with a goal kick.
Aston Villa were fined £125,000 after breaking the multi-ball rules across five matches in the 2024-25 season.
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