David Dein’s Controversial New Rule: Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein is in discussions with football’s governing bodies about a RADICAL rule change that could have a DETRIMENTAL effect on Tottenham, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
David Dein, the former co-owner of Arsenal, is in talks with football’s governing bodies to introduce a ‘timekeeper’ and replace the traditional 45-minute halves with 30-minute periods.
Dein has gained backing from PGMOL chief Howard Webb for his proposal to reduce match time to 60 minutes. This plan involves a timekeeper stopping the clock to address ‘wasted time,’ potentially increasing active play by cutting out delays from injuries, VAR reviews, and other interruptions.
The issue of ‘wasted time’ gained attention after Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City, where Arsenal players were criticized for pausing the game for cramp treatments. Dein’s approach would counter such tactics by halting the timer when players receive medical attention.
On talkSPORT’s Sunday Edition, Dein explained that his idea stems from the concept of ‘Fergie time.’ “This isn’t new; it goes back to Sir Alex Ferguson, who often pressed the fourth official about how much time was left,” he noted.
He inquired with Premier League referees whether the additional time displayed is accurate to the last 10 seconds, to which they responded negatively. “In this age, we should be able to track how long a football match lasts,” he stated.
Dein pointed out that the average ball-in-play time in the Premier League and many Western European matches is around 55 to 57 minutes. He advocates for two 30-minute halves of actual play, allowing fans to clearly see how much time is left in the game.
He also emphasized that fans in the stadium should have the same experience as those watching at home. “Let’s have a visible clock showing lost time,” he said.
Regarding the implementation of his proposal, Dein added that he has presented it to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) for consideration and is discussing trials with the Dutch league, known for its progressive stance.
“This won’t mean a 60-minute game; it will last around 100 minutes, giving fans more football for their money,” he explained.
When asked about referees’ roles under this new rule, Dein stated that the fourth official or a dedicated timekeeper should manage the timing, allowing referees to focus on the game itself. He expressed optimism that with Webb’s support, they can push for a trial of this concept.
