English football is set to trial a new rule designed to curb perceived time-wasting tactics involving injured goalkeepers. Under the proposed change, if a referee calls for medical staff to treat a goalkeeper on the field, the team's manager must designate an outfield player to leave the pitch for one minute. Should the manager fail to select a player within 10 seconds, the team captain will be automatically chosen.
This measure, which aims to prevent managers from using injury stoppages for tactical team talks, has been agreed upon by the Premier League, FA, EFL, National League, and Women's Super League. Its implementation is contingent on approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB), football's law-making body.
If approved, the rule will be trialed for the first time in the Carabao Cup preliminary-round match between Tranmere Rovers and Rochdale on Saturday. IFAB had previously rejected a permanent rule change but invited competitions to volunteer for trials.
The tactic of goalkeepers feigning injury for strategic advantage has drawn criticism. In November, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of exploiting the rules during a match. "Everyone knows why he went down," Farke stated after the game. "It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play?" He added that it was up to the authorities to find a solution.
This trial follows other recent measures introduced to combat time-wasting in football. Earlier this year, IFAB approved changes that include a countdown clock for goal kicks and throw-ins. If a throw-in or goal kick is deliberately delayed, a five-second visual countdown begins. Failure to restart play within that time results in possession being awarded to the opposing team.
Last season saw similar measures introduced for delayed goal kicks, where holding the ball for too long would result in a corner kick for the opposition. IFAB has also expanded the powers of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), allowing interventions when a yellow or red card has been clearly issued to the wrong player.