English football authorities have approved a trial to curb goalkeeper time wasting by requiring teams to play with 10 men for one minute when a goalkeeper receives treatment.
The measure, backed by the Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League and Women’s Super League, received approval from the International Football Association Board. It will apply across English competitions starting this season.
Under the trial, a referee who signals for a physio to treat a goalkeeper will require the goalkeeper’s team to remove one outfield player for one minute once play resumes. The coach has 10 seconds to nominate the player via the fourth official, or the captain will automatically leave the pitch.
The first match to use the rule is scheduled for Saturday’s Carabao Cup preliminary-round tie between Tranmere Rovers and Rochdale. Australia’s A-League will trial a similar law where the captain must always leave the field.
The change follows complaints about goalkeepers feigning injury to allow tactical instructions. Last season, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of “bending the rules” in this way. Several exceptions exist, including cases of serious injury or bleeding.
The International Football Association Board will monitor the trial before considering a permanent worldwide rule from the 2027-28 season.
