28.07.2026 13:30
The English Football Association will test a new rule this season to prevent goalkeepers from wasting time under the guise of injury. According to this, if a goalkeeper receives medical treatment on the pitch, one player from that team must stay off the field for 1 minute after play resumes. If the team's manager does not designate which player will wait off the field within 10 seconds, that player will be the team captain.
England will trial a new application this season to eliminate tactical injury breaks by goalkeepers.
NEW RULES IN ENGLISH FOOTBALL
In a statement from the English Football Association, it was stated that approval was received from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to implement new rules "aimed at preserving the tempo and flow of matches" starting from the 2026-2027 season.
NEW SOLUTION FOR GOALKEEPER INJURY BREAKS
Under the rules to be implemented, a player from the team whose goalkeeper is receiving treatment from medical staff on the field will wait on the sidelines for 1 minute after play resumes. If the team's coach does not indicate which player will wait on the sidelines within 10 seconds, that player will be the team captain. Collisions, bleeding, or serious injury cases will be exempt from this application.
5-SECOND RULE TO PREVENT DELAY OF THROW-INS OR GOAL KICKS
This season, referees will initiate a five-second countdown to prevent players from unnecessarily delaying throw-ins or goal kicks.
The match referee may award the throw-in to the opposing team if the time is exceeded, or may rule a corner kick in favor of the opposing team due to a delayed goal kick.
There will also be a 10-second time limit for players leaving the field during substitutions. If this time is exceeded, the substitute will not be able to immediately enter the game; they may only enter the field after play stops and at least one minute has passed.
The English Football Association also emphasized that these rules will be applied in women's football leagues.