Football fans share 20 surprising rule changes they would introduce if they could

A survey of 2,000 football fans has revealed the changes they would make to the game if given the opportunity - and some of the suggestions may surprise you

Football fans have shared some of the changes they would make to the game if they were given the chance and some of them may surprise you. For example, while many fans would like to see 3pm kick-offs televised others argue their screens are already saturated with too much football and would be keen to cut out the Europa Conference League from the viewing schedule.

The research commissioned by OLBG revealed that some fans are keen to go back to how things were as one in ten would reinstate the Golden Goal rule, which ends a game in extra time as soon as a goal is scored.

Beyond that, some fans have floated more unusual ideas, such as replacing throw-ins with "kick-ins" or even abolishing the offside rule altogether.

Other popular suggestions, included the introduction of salary caps and a stop clock to track injury time properly. On top of this, despite the current rules allowing a maximum of five substitutes per game, one in four fans expressed a they would want to return to the previous three-substitute limit.

OLBG's footie betting guru Jake Ashton had his say, adding: "Football gets fans going and people spend lots of time and money following their favourite team.

"With the rules often evolving, it’s great to see what fans would want introduced if they were given the opportunity to take charge. While we know lots on the list will never come to pass, there is definitely a case for some of them."

The survey of 2,000 footie fans surprisingly revealed that a quarter of fans have never been to a live match, as three-quarters prefer to catch the action on the telly.

While TV is the prime place to catch the games it is also the go-to source for most fans for news and updates about matches and players, followed by online articles and social media.

Interestingly, many fans reckon there's no need to jazz up the sport with extra entertainment. Over half (52%) are against the idea of bringing NFL-style halftime shows to football matches. Moreover, seven out of 10 fans feel the beautiful game has become too commercialised and should get back to it's roots.

Jake added: “Whether fans can get to the grounds or choose to watch football on TV, its important they always get a good experience.

“With a large portion of those who love the game agreeing it would be better sticking more to its roots, it shows the sport doesn’t always need these over complicated rule changes. This is something rule makers should keep in mind – sometimes less is more.”

TOP 20 RULES FANS WOULD LIKE TO SEE:

1. Salary cap on players
2. 3pm kick-offs televised
3. A stop clock to make sure injury time is accurate
4. Red card to anyone who dives
5. Stricter spending cap on clubs
6. Referees have to wear microphones
7. Change the rules around handball to make it simpler
8. No more VAR
9. Introduce sin bins
10. Give penalties against teams who argue with the referee
11. Get rid of transfer windows and let players move whenever they want
12. The player fouled must take the penalty
13. Bonus points if team scores 4 or more goals in a game
14. Make it so clubs have to include a certain number of youth players in their starting line up
15. Bring back golden goal
16. Allow people to drink alcohol in the stands
17. No offsides
18. Get rid of draws and decide games which do end up in a draw with a penalty shoot-out
19. Unlimited subs
20. Allow kick-ins instead of throw-ins