Arteta faces towel ban as Premier League changes ball-drying rules

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is concerned that one Premier League rule change could reduce his team’s long-throw threat. Clubs will no longer be allowed to use towels to dry the ball before throw-ins this season.

Arsenal have used Ben White and Declan Rice for long throws, with dry footballs helping players prepare the ball before sending it into the penalty area. Arteta believes the new restriction will affect that routine, although he also suggested the change could make matches more fluid and enjoyable.

The use of towels previously depended on an agreement between the two teams before kick-off. The issue became clear during Arsenal’s match at Newcastle last season, when Riccardo Calafiori attempted to dry the ball with a towel near goalkeeper Nick Pope’s goal. Referee Jarred Gillett removed it because no agreement had been reached.

Arteta joked that Arsenal players might wear hats so they have another way to dry their hands. The comment came as Arsenal began their campaign in a Community Shield meeting with Manchester City, after ending the previous season as Premier League champions.

The towel ban is part of a wider effort to reduce delays across English football. Goalkeepers and players will face countdowns for goal-kicks and throw-ins, while substitutions will be subject to time limits. A player who receives treatment must remain off the pitch for one minute, and outfield players must also leave when a goalkeeper calls for medical attention.

Arteta said referees and the Premier League had explained the changes to clubs, with Arsenal able to test some of them during pre-season. He expects teams to discover which adjustments are easiest to apply once competitive matches begin, particularly around restarts and the new countdowns.

The new approach also comes after Arsenal faced criticism over time management last season. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler questioned David Raya’s treatment breaks during Arsenal’s 1-0 Premier League win, when the goalkeeper received attention three times while his side protected the lead.