Premier League and WSL to test rule curbing goalkeeper timeouts | OneFootball

English football will introduce an IFAB-approved trial aimed at stopping alleged goalkeeper timeouts from next month, with a nominated outfield player required to leave the pitch for one minute whenever a goalkeeper receives on-field treatment with the referee’s permission. According to the BBC, the trial begins immediately in domestic competitions.

IFAB has sanctioned two versions. England has chosen the nominated-player model, while Australia’s A-League will test a system in which the captain always departs.

In the English Football League, FA competitions, the National League, the Premier League and the Women’s Super League, managers will have 10 seconds to inform the fourth official of their chosen player, otherwise the captain will be removed. The player must remain off the field for at least one minute after play restarts. Exceptions apply when the goalkeeper is fouled and immediately needs treatment, collides with another player, is bleeding, or when a serious injury such as concussion is feared.

IFAB signalled its intention to tackle tactical timeouts at its annual meeting in February, while delaying any trials until after the World Cup. During the tournament, FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina instructed officials to prevent players visiting the technical area during treatment stoppages.

Pro Ref, formerly PGMOL, discussed both options with the FA and leagues before backing the nominated-player approach. Players will still be allowed to go to the touchline during goalkeeper treatment, but the risk of playing with ten should act as a deterrent.

A separate 10-second limit on substituted players exiting the pitch will also apply across the professional game from the first whistle of the forthcoming Carabao Cup campaign on Saturday the first of August. If the trials prove successful, the measure could be written into the Laws for 2027-28.

Source: NY Times