English football to trial rule against goalkeeper tactical timeouts

English football is set to trial a new rule designed to curb goalkeepers' use of injury stoppages as tactical timeouts. Under the proposed measure, if a referee allows a goalkeeper to receive treatment, the coach must nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch for one minute. Failure to do so within 10 seconds will require the captain to exit the field.

The trial, agreed upon by the Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League, and Women's Super League, awaits approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB). It could begin with a Carabao Cup match on August 1.

This initiative addresses growing concerns about goalkeepers feigning or exaggerating injuries to halt play, disrupt momentum, or allow coaches to deliver tactical instructions. The practice has drawn criticism, especially when goalkeepers go down late in matches while their teams are protecting a lead.

While players can still gather near the touchline during a stoppage, the prospect of playing temporarily with 10 men is intended to discourage tactical advantages gained through goalkeeper injuries. Exemptions exist for situations where a goalkeeper does not need treatment, collides with a teammate, is fouled, or is bleeding. The rule will not apply to serious injuries requiring substitution or suspected concussions.

The proposed trial follows IFAB's decision to invite competitions to test solutions, rather than immediately changing the Laws of the Game. IFAB's head of referees, Pierluigi Collina, had previously identified this practice as an issue needing attention.