English football is set to trial a new measure aimed at eradicating the controversial goalkeeper tactical timeout. The Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League, and Women's Super League have collectively agreed to the trial, which awaits approval from the International Football Association Board (Ifab).
The proposed trial involves a team having to remove an outfield player from the field for one minute if a referee signals that a physiotherapist can enter to treat the goalkeeper. The coach will have 10 seconds to nominate which player leaves the pitch, informing the fourth official. Should no player be selected within that timeframe, the team captain will be required to leave the field.
This tactic has become increasingly common in recent seasons, often involving a goalkeeper feigning injury to pause play, allow teammates to gather for a team talk, and disrupt the opposition's momentum. Earlier this year, Ifab decided against a law change and instead invited leagues to volunteer for trials.
Pro Ref, led by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb, has been instrumental in discussions with the leagues to formulate a solution. If Ifab grants clearance in time, the trial is expected to debut in the Carabao Cup preliminary round match between Tranmere and Rochdale on Saturday, August 1. A variation of the trial is also reportedly being considered in the Australian A-League, where the captain would always be required to leave the field.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke previously accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" and break up play during a match in November.