Leeds United set for trial to curb goalkeeper timeouts next season | OneFootball

Leeds United and the rest of the Premier League will take part in a trial next season to curb goalkeeper tactical timeouts.

The FA said in a statement that when a goalkeeper needs on-pitch treatment, the manager has 10 seconds to nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch for at least one minute, informing the fourth official. If no decision is made inside 10 seconds, the captain will be removed. The policy is designed to deter stoppages used to slow play or gather tactical instructions while protecting genuine injuries.

Leeds endured several flashpoints. Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma first went down after Daniel Farke’s side fought back from 2-0 to 2-2, before the Whites lost 3-2. Sunderland’s Melker Ellborg also required treatment during a 1-0 win at Elland Road, and Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez was told by a teammate to go down during their FA Cup semi-final victory.

Exceptions include when a free-kick is awarded for a foul on the goalkeeper who immediately needs treatment, when the goalkeeper and an outfield player collide and require attention, or when the goalkeeper is bleeding. The trial will be monitored across English football with IFAB and other stakeholders.

An attempt to keep players away from the dugout during goalkeeper injuries was used at this summer’s World Cup, and the new measures go further. Officials can deploy a five-second countdown if a throw-in or goal kick is being delayed. A 10-second countdown will also apply to substitutions, and failing to leave in time will delay the incoming player.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk