A radical new trial is set to be implemented across English football this season, designed to combat the increasingly prevalent issue of goalkeepers feigning injury to orchestrate tactical timeouts. The Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League, and Women's Super League have all agreed to the measure, which now awaits final permission from the International Football Association Board (Ifab).
Under the proposed new rule, if a referee signals for a physio to attend to a goalkeeper, the team's coach will have just 10 seconds to nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch for one minute. Should no player be selected within this timeframe, the team captain will automatically be required to exit the field. This initiative follows Ifab's decision earlier this year against a global law change, instead inviting leagues to volunteer for trials to address the controversial tactic.
The move comes after extensive discussions led by Pro Ref, headed by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb. The aim is to deter coaches from using goalkeeper 'injuries' to disrupt opposition momentum or provide impromptu team talks during stoppages. This tactic has become a source of frustration for many, with instances such as Leeds United manager Daniel Farke accusing Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury last November to 'bend the rules' and break up play.
If Ifab grants clearance in time, the first match to feature this trial could be the Carabao Cup preliminary round tie between Tranmere Rovers and Rochdale, scheduled for Saturday, 1 August 2026. English football's approach mirrors the existing rule for outfield players who require treatment, where they must leave the field for one minute. This proactive deterrent is intended to be more effective than simply preventing players from gathering in the technical area during stoppages, a measure implemented at the 2026 World Cup.
There are, however, several exemptions where a team-mate will not be required to leave the field. These include situations where the goalkeeper does not request a physio and has not caused play to stop, if a goalkeeper and an outfield player collide, if a goalkeeper is fouled and needs immediate treatment, in cases of bleeding, or if there is a serious injury or concussion requiring substitution. While players will still be permitted to visit the touchline during treatment, the prospect of playing with 10 players for a minute, particularly in crucial late stages of a game, is expected to serve as a significant disincentive for tactical time-wasting.