New Rule to Address Tactical Stoppages
English football is set to implement a new trial concerning goalkeeper injuries, beginning in the 2026-27 season. This initiative, which has received approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB), aims to maintain the pace and flow of matches by addressing instances where goalkeeper injuries may be used for tactical advantage. The trial will be introduced across the men’s and women’s professional game in England.
The new rule stipulates that if a game is stopped due to a goalkeeper injury, the team’s manager or head coach will be required to nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch. This nominated player must remain off the field for a minimum of one minute after the restart of play. Coaches will have 10 seconds to select this player; if no selection is made, the team captain must leave the field.
The trial is designed to ensure that genuine injuries continue to receive appropriate medical attention while simultaneously removing any potential sporting advantage that might arise from stoppages. This includes situations where a break in play could be used to waste time, disrupt an opponent’s momentum, or allow outfield players to receive tactical instructions from their manager in the technical area.
Collaborative Effort and Previous Incidents
The introduction of this trial is a collective effort championed by several key stakeholders in English football, including Pro Ref, The FA, the Premier League, EFL, WSL Football, and the National League. These organisations have been in discussions to find ways to eradicate the issue of goalkeepers allegedly feigning injury to gain a tactical edge.
There have been notable instances that highlight the concerns addressed by this new rule. In November, Leeds United boss Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to disrupt play. Similarly, in December, Gary Neville suggested that Newcastle United’s Aaron Ramsdale went to ground against Manchester United following an instruction from Lewis Hall, which Neville believed originated from Magpies boss Eddie Howe. This particular incident occurred in the eighth minute of the match, with Luke Shaw waiting to take a throw-in for United.
Another instance occurred in March, when Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler criticised David Raya for what appeared to be a tactical timeout. These examples underscore the perceived issue that the new trial aims to mitigate.
Exceptions and Ongoing Monitoring
The trial will operate with specific exceptions to ensure player welfare is not compromised. These exceptions include situations where a free-kick is awarded for a foul on the goalkeeper and immediate treatment is required, if a goalkeeper and an outfield player collide and both need attention, or if the goalkeeper is bleeding. The trial will not be implemented below National League Step 2 in the men’s game.
English football authorities, in conjunction with IFAB and other stakeholders, will continuously monitor the trial throughout the season. This ongoing assessment will evaluate its effectiveness in supporting game flow while upholding the highest standards of player welfare. This new measure builds upon previous initiatives, such as the goalkeeper eight-second rule, which was successfully implemented last season to increase ball-in-play time and reduce unnecessary delays.
Additionally, from the 2026-27 season, a five-second countdown will be used by match officials as a time-management tool for players who unfairly delay throw-ins or goal kicks. Furthermore, a ten-second time limit for players leaving the pitch when substituted will be in operation across the professional game, starting from the first whistle of the forthcoming Carabao Cup campaign on Saturday 1 August.
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Adam Rutherford is a Senior Football Correspondent at News-UK. He spent his early career filing match reports across the North West. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Manchester Metropolitan University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Manchester, he coaches a youth team and watches grassroots football. “Every transfer window hides a dozen real stories.”
