Premier League to Crack Down on Goalkeepers ‘Feigning Injury’ with a New Trial Rule

The English Football Association, in collaboration with other football bodies, is set to introduce a trial rule aimed at preventing goalkeepers from feigning injuries to disrupt the Premier League's pace. This new measure, approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), will be implemented across the men's and women's professional game in England starting with the 2026-27 season.

The trial is designed to address situations where goalkeepers have been perceived to exaggerate injuries to slow down the game, allow their team to regroup tactically, or disrupt an opponent's momentum. The initiative has been collectively championed by organizations including Pro Ref, the FA, the Premier League, and others.

Under the new trial rule, if a game is halted due to a goalkeeper's injury, the head coach will be required to designate an outfield player to leave the field. This nominated player must remain off the pitch for a minimum of one minute after play resumes. If the coach fails to select a player within 10 seconds, the team captain will be automatically chosen.

However, the trial includes several exceptions. It will not apply in cases where a goalkeeper requires immediate treatment after a foul, a collision between the goalkeeper and an outfield player, or if the goalkeeper is bleeding. The English League Cup match between Tranmere and Rochdale is slated to be the first to feature this new trial rule.