English football agrees trial to end goalkeeper tactical timeout

Published Jul 27, 01:22 PM UTC

English football authorities, including the FA, Premier League, EFL, National League, and WSL, have agreed to trial a new rule to eliminate the goalkeeper tactical timeout, pending IFAB approval. Under the proposed measure, if a goalkeeper requires physio treatment, the coach must nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch for one minute within 10 seconds; otherwise, the captain must leave. The first trial match is scheduled for the Carabao Cup preliminary round between Tranmere and Rochdale on 1 August 2026. The tactic of goalkeepers feigning injury to allow team talks or disrupt opposition momentum has become increasingly controversial, with Leeds United manager Daniel Farke accusing Manchester City's Gianluigi Donnarumma of bending the rules. The measure is intended as a proactive deterrent, following the logic applied to outfield players who must leave the field for one minute when receiving treatment. Exemptions include collisions, fouls requiring immediate treatment, bleeding, or when the goalkeeper does not need the physio.