The English Premier League, alongside other professional leagues, will introduce a new rule from the 2026/27 season aimed at reducing time-wasting tactics involving goalkeepers.
Key Changes in the Rule
- When a goalkeeper stops play for an injury, a nominated outfield player must leave the pitch temporarily.
- This player will stay off the field for at least one minute after the game resumes.
- Exceptions include genuine fouls on the goalkeeper, collisions involving both goalkeeper and outfield players, or visible bleeding.
This initiative, approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and supported by the Football Association (FA), Premier League, English Football League (EFL), and Women's Super League (WSL), targets the common practice of goalkeepers feigning injuries to allow coaches to give tactical instructions or disrupt the game's momentum.
Additional Measures to Reduce Time-Wasting
- A five-second countdown will be introduced for throw-ins and goal kicks when delays occur.
- Substituted players will have a 10-second limit to leave the pitch.
These rules build on last season’s successful implementation of the goalkeeper eight-second rule, which aimed to speed up play.
The trial will be closely monitored to ensure it balances game flow with player safety. The move reflects ongoing efforts in English football to maintain fairness and pace in matches.
