FA confirms Premier League trial to curb goalkeeper time-outs next season, affecting Leeds United | OneFootball

The FA has confirmed a Premier League trial next season to curb goalkeeper tactical time-outs, a frequent gripe for Leeds United.

Leeds endured several flashpoints, beginning when Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma did so after Daniel Farke’s side fought back from 2-0 down to 2-2, before they lost 3-2. Farke accused Donnarumma of feigning injury to exploit the rules.

Other incidents included Sunderland’s Melker Ellborg going down in a 1-0 win at Elland Road, and Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez being told by a teammate to do so during an FA Cup semi-final victory.

Under the trial, if a goalkeeper needs on-pitch treatment, the manager has 10 seconds to name an outfield player to leave for at least one minute, informing the fourth official. If no call is made in 10 seconds, the captain must go off.

The change is intended to stop stoppages being used to slow momentum or pass on instructions, while ensuring genuine injuries receive proper care. Exceptions apply when a foul on the goalkeeper leads to immediate treatment, when the goalkeeper and an outfielder collide, or when the goalkeeper is bleeding.

The trial will be monitored with IFAB and other stakeholders across the season. There were similar efforts at this summer’s World Cup. Further tweaks include a five-second countdown to curb delays at throw-ins or goal kicks, and a 10-second limit for players to leave after a substitution or the incoming player is held back.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk