English football authorities are set to trial a new rule this season aimed at curbing tactical stoppages caused by goalkeepers feigning injury to disrupt play and gain a strategic advantage. The initiative, supported by the Football Association (FA), Premier League, English Football League (EFL), Women’s Super League, National League, and Pro Ref, seeks to ensure that injury breaks are used solely for legitimate medical reasons rather than as opportunities for teams to receive tactical instructions.
Under the proposed measures, if play is halted for a goalkeeper injury and a medical professional is allowed onto the pitch, the affected team’s manager must immediately nominate an outfield player to leave the field. This player will be required to remain off the pitch for at least one minute after play restarts, effectively penalizing teams that exploit goalkeeper injury stoppages to interrupt the flow of the game. If the manager does not designate a player within 10 seconds, the team captain will automatically be required to leave the field temporarily. The governing bodies emphasize that genuine injuries will still receive appropriate treatment, and the rule includes exceptions such as when a free-kick is awarded due to a foul on the goalkeeper.
The trial is pending approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB), football’s global laws-making body. While IFAB declined to implement a broad change earlier this year, it encouraged leagues to test new ideas through trials. Should clearance be granted, the measure could be introduced in English football as soon as the 2026-27 season, with reports suggesting that it might first be applied during upcoming fixtures, including a Carabao Cup preliminary round match between Tranmere Rovers and Rochdale.
The move responds to growing criticism from players, managers, and observers who say goalkeepers have increasingly used injury stoppages to interrupt the momentum of games, disadvantaging opponents and allowing teams to regroup or receive coaching input. For example, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke publicly questioned the legitimacy of a Manchester City goalkeeper’s injury during a Premier League match in November, suggesting it was a deliberate tactic rather than a genuine concern.
Supporters of the rule argue it will help maintain the flow and fairness of matches by discouraging time-wasting and gamesmanship. Opponents may contend that the pressure on managers to nominate a player quickly and the forced removal of an outfield player could lead to unintended consequences, including potential strategic disruption or increased risk for the temporarily reduced team setup.
The trial represents an effort by English football officials to balance player welfare with the integrity and pace of the game, pending further assessment of its impact once implemented on the field.