The Premier League will introduce a new rule for the 2026/27 season aimed at preventing goalkeepers from using injury stoppages as tactical timeouts during matches.
Under the trial, if play is stopped for treatment to a goalkeeper following a non-serious injury, one outfield player from the same team must leave the pitch for at least one minute after play resumes. If the coach fails to nominate a player within 10 seconds, the team captain will automatically be required to leave the field.
The new measure, approved for trial by football authorities, is designed to reduce time-wasting and prevent teams from using goalkeeper injury breaks to disrupt opponents’ momentum or receive tactical instructions.
Leave feedback about this