FIFA will debut a new rule to combat time-wasting at the Arab Cup in Qatar from December 1-18. The measure requires injured players to stay off the field for about two minutes, leaving their team short-handed. The initiative, backed by president Gianni Infantino, aims to enhance the flow of matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching in less than seven months, FIFA is introducing measures to address common time-wasting tactics in soccer. One prevalent strategy involves players exaggerating injuries to disrupt the game's rhythm and frustrate opponents and fans. Under current rules, players receiving medical attention must leave the field temporarily but often return quickly, allowing the defending team to regroup.
The new trial rule mandates that any player needing medical intervention—except in specific cases—must remain off the pitch for approximately two minutes, forcing their team to play with 10 players during that time. This change was announced by Pierluigi Collina, chairman of FIFA’s Referees Committee, and will first be implemented at the Arab Cup, scheduled for December 1-18 in Qatar.
In an interview with Qatar’s Al Kass Sports channel, Collina detailed the rule: “When a player is injured and the medical staff enters the field, he must exit and remain off for a set amount of time, which could be two minutes. During that period, the team will play with one fewer player. This experiment had been considered for future implementation, but with the upcoming Arab Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino decided it should be applied in this tournament.”
Exceptions are in place to ensure fairness. Collina explained: “The only exceptions that would allow a player to stay on the field after medical personnel enter are when the opposing player involved in the incident receives a yellow card or is sent off. Naturally, the goalkeeper will also not be required to leave the field for two minutes.”
This move aligns with FIFA's broader efforts to optimize the sport and make it more engaging. Earlier this year, on July 1, a rule limiting goalkeepers to eight seconds of possession was introduced, with corner kicks awarded for violations. Collina noted: “IFAB and FIFA are considering experiments to make football more attractive, exciting, and enjoyable for fans and everyone involved. I’ve noticed that since July 1... no one has been penalized.” He added that the rule has been respected, bringing benefits, and expressed hope that the new trial will similarly combat simulation.
Soccer has historically been cautious about rule changes, as seen with the ongoing debates over VAR, which was tested further at the 2025 U-20 World Cup. Infantino's support for this anti-time-wasting measure underscores FIFA's push for a more dynamic game ahead of the expanded 2026 tournament.