New Football Rule Targets Hidden Time-Outs

English football has introduced a new rule aimed at cracking down on tactical time-wasting.

In recent years, football has seen numerous changes to the Laws of the Game, but one of the most controversial issues has been the use of medical stoppages as a tactical tool. This practice allowed coaches to effectively call an unofficial time-out by halting play for a few minutes and delivering tactical instructions to their players.

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several experimental rules were tested, including commercial breaks between halves, longer halftime intervals, and modified VAR interventions. However, these changes are not expected to be adopted in European club football. Instead, English football will introduce a different experimental rule from the start of the new season—one specifically designed to eliminate so-called "tactical time-outs."

A Loophole Coaches Exploited

In recent years, some coaches have taken advantage of a loophole in the rules to create interruptions during matches. The tactic was simple: the goalkeeper would sit down on the pitch and request medical attention. While treatment was being administered, the head coach could gather the entire team near the touchline to deliver tactical instructions—effectively creating a basketball-style timeout.

One of the most notable examples occurred in October 2025, when Charlton's head coach reportedly instructed his goalkeeper to feign an injury, allowing the team to hold a brief tactical meeting during the closing stages of a match while protecting a 2–1 lead. This practice was not limited to England's lower divisions; similar incidents were also seen in the Premier League.

One of the strongest critics of the trend was Leeds United manager Daniel Farke. Throughout the season, he witnessed teams such as Manchester City and Chelsea using the same method to interrupt play.

In one match, Gianluigi Donnarumma remained on the ground for nearly two minutes, and after the medical staff entered the field, his teammates gathered near the bench for tactical instructions. In another game, Robert Sánchez halted play for more than two minutes, once again giving the coaching staff an opportunity to brief the players. English media had previously reported that Mikel Arteta also exploited the same loophole at Arsenal.

Responding to these incidents, Farke said:

"If we start teaching players to fake injuries in order to hold tactical meetings, that is no longer consistent with the spirit of fair play. Football should not be moving in that direction."

IFAB Steps In

Following growing criticism, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), working alongside the Football Association and the refereeing department headed by Howard Webb, decided to introduce a new rule on a trial basis.

Several options were initially considered, including prohibiting players from approaching the bench during stoppages. However, that proposal was abandoned because it could have created new problems, such as additional time-wasting or unnecessary disruptions to the rhythm of the game. A different solution was ultimately chosen.

How the New Rule Works

Under the new rule, if play is stopped because a goalkeeper requires on-field medical treatment, one player from that goalkeeper's team must leave the field for 60 seconds once play resumes.

The 60-second period begins immediately after the restart, meaning the team must continue with only ten players for one minute. The objective is to increase the tactical cost of unnecessary stoppages, removing any incentive for teams to manufacture delays.

Who Leaves the Field?

The head coach will decide which player must temporarily leave the pitch. However, the coach has only 10 seconds to inform the fourth official of the selected player. If no decision is made within that time, the team captain will automatically be required to leave the field for one minute.

Australia's professional league will also trial the rule, but with one key difference: in those competitions, the captain will always be the player required to leave the field.

Four Important Exceptions

The rule will not apply in the following four situations:

1. If the goalkeeper is injured as a result of a collision with another player.
2. If the goalkeeper has been fouled and requires medical treatment.
3. If the goalkeeper is bleeding.
4. If the injury results in a mandatory substitution.

In any of these circumstances, no player will be required to leave the field temporarily.

Advantages and Concerns

Football experts believe the rule could eliminate one of the most common methods of tactical time-wasting, a practice that has become increasingly widespread in professional football in recent years.

However, concerns remain. Some believe goalkeepers with genuine injuries may hesitate to request medical treatment if doing so forces their team to play with one fewer outfield player for a minute.

For this reason, the rule will initially be implemented on a trial basis in the Premier League, other professional leagues in England, and women's football competitions. If the trial proves successful, IFAB could adopt it as a permanent part of the Laws of the Game worldwide from the 2027–28 season onward.