English football to try new rule against goalkeeper tactical timeouts

A new football rule aimed at stopping goalkeepers from faking injuries to force tactical timeouts could be trialled in England as early as this weekend.

The proposed change is designed to prevent keepers from disrupting the flow of matches by going down with apparent injuries, which currently allows play to stop while they receive treatment and gives coaches an opportunity to speak to players.

Under the proposed law, if a referee allows medical staff onto the pitch to treat a goalkeeper, the team’s manager must nominate an outfield player to leave the field for one minute. If no player is chosen within 10 seconds, the captain will automatically be required to leave.

The Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League and Women’s Super League have all backed the proposal. However, approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) is still required before the trial can begin.

If approved in time, the rule could make its debut during Saturday’s Carabao Cup preliminary-round match between Tranmere Rovers and Rochdale.

The proposal follows growing criticism of goalkeepers using injury stoppages to slow games and allow tactical discussions. In November, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of exploiting the current rules during a match at the Etihad Stadium.

Farke claimed the goalkeeper’s stoppage was an obvious attempt to gain a tactical advantage, adding that while it was within the rules, he believed it went against the spirit of fair play and urged football authorities to find a solution.