Premier League referees could be given more powers including shock 'cooling off' rule under new plans

Premier League referees could be given a series of additional powers as part of new plans, according to a new report.

Various changes have been made to top flight refereeing in recent years, including - most notably - the introduction of VAR and new yellow/red card offences for both players and managers.

But the sport's lawmakers, the International Football Association Board (Ifab), are looking at new ways to further improve the standards of officiating in English football - which in turn could create a significant change to high-profile matches.

Earlier this week, The Times reported that Ifab were planning to consider the trial of sin-bins for both the men's and women's FA Cup next season, which would see players removed from play for 10 minutes for specific disciplinary offences.

Now, the same outlet reports that referees could be given further powers to control discipline.

It is claimed that Ifab are considering a range of changes to improve 'participant behaviour' - from players and coaches.

One of those changes under consideration is handing officials extra power to stop matches for 'cooling off periods' if players are feuding or if mass confrontations get out of control.

It is added that the exact length of any 'cooling off period' is yet to be officially determined, although would involve players being separated by a group of match officials - although rather than resembling a scene out of WWE, they would instead be split into different parts of the pitch.

The next Ifab meeting will take place next month, in which the potential changes to football will be discussed.

Meanwhile, in November, it was proposed that if the sin-bin aspect of proposals was to be implemented, players would be sent off the field for a total of 10 minutes.

They have been used in grassroots football since the beginning of the 2018/19 season, with reported improvement in player and management behaviour towards officials.