New Trial for Goalkeeper Stoppages
English football leagues are set to trial new measures aimed at addressing goalkeeper tactical timeouts in the upcoming season. The Premier League, EFL, FA, National League, WSL, and Pro Ref have collectively agreed to this trial after receiving approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB). This initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to maintain the pace and flow of matches.
The trial is designed to counter instances where goalkeeper injuries may be used to disrupt momentum, slow down play, or create opportunities for tactical instruction. It will be implemented across professional men’s and women’s football in England, though it will not extend below National League Step 2 in the men’s game.
How the New Rule Will Work
Under the new trial, if a referee signals for a physio to treat a goalkeeper, the coach will have 10 seconds to select an outfield player to leave the pitch for one minute. If no player is chosen within this timeframe, the team captain must leave the field instead. The nominated player will then be required to remain off the field for a minimum of one minute after the restart of play.
The primary goal of this measure is to ensure that genuine injuries continue to receive appropriate medical attention, while simultaneously eliminating any potential sporting advantage that might be gained from stoppages. English football authorities, along with IFAB and other stakeholders, will monitor the trial throughout the season to assess its effectiveness in supporting game flow and maintaining player welfare.
There are some exceptions to the trial. These include situations where a free kick is awarded for a foul on the goalkeeper and immediate treatment is needed, when a goalkeeper and an outfield player collide and both require attention, or if the goalkeeper is bleeding.
Previous Incidents and Related Measures
The discussions around tactical timeouts follow several notable incidents. In November, Leeds United boss Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to “bend the rules” and interrupt play. Similarly, in December, Gary Neville suggested that Newcastle’s Aaron Ramsdale went to ground against Manchester United following an instruction from Lewis Hall, which Neville believed originated from Magpies boss Eddie Howe. Manchester United had taken the lead through Patrick Dorgu in that match, which concluded 1-0. More recently, in March, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler criticised David Raya for what appeared to be a tactical timeout.
This trial builds on previous measures introduced in professional football to increase ball-in-play time and reduce unnecessary delays, such as the goalkeeper eight-second rule implemented last season. Additionally, from the 2026-27 season, a five-second countdown will be used by match officials for players who unfairly delay throw-ins or goal kicks. A ten-second time limit for substituted players leaving the pitch will also be in effect across the professional game starting from the first whistle of the forthcoming campaign in the Carabao Cup on Saturday 1 August.
The goalkeeper tactical timeout trial could potentially feature for the first time in the Carabao Cup preliminary round.
Source: skysports.com
