The controversial tactic of goalkeepers feigning injury to allow coaches to deliver instructions is frustrating players and fans alike. Here's a look at what football's lawmakers are considering to end the practice.
The Problem
During a recent FA Cup semi-final, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez sat down on the Wembley turf and signaled for treatment. Referee Jarred Gillett stopped play, and as the physio ran on, all Chelsea outfield players jogged to the technical area for instructions. Leeds United fans booed, and captain Ethan Ampadu was so annoyed he tried to insert himself into Chelsea's team talk.
This 'tactical timeout' has become common: a goalkeeper goes down, the other ten players gather for a coach's message, and then the goalkeeper miraculously recovers. Officials have been powerless, as accusing a player of faking injury carries serious risks.
The International Football Association Board (Ifab) has been studying the issue but has not agreed on a law change for next season. Instead, leagues will be invited to trial potential solutions during the 2026-27 season.
Trial One: Outfield Player Off for One Minute
Ifab's new laws already require any player needing treatment to leave the field for one minute. This trial would extend that to goalkeepers: if a keeper needs treatment, an outfield player must leave for 60 seconds. Some believe this is not enough of a deterrent—coaches might accept being down a man for a minute to regroup.
Trial Two: Two Minutes Off
This ups the penalty to two minutes. Supporters argue that one minute is insufficient to discourage managers desperate to break up momentum. Critics worry it could penalize genuinely injured players and discourage them from seeking help.
Trial Three: No Approaching the Technical Area
Leading the way is the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the US and Canada. Under its new policy, when a goalkeeper is injured, all players must stay where they were when play stopped or gather on their team's side of the center circle. Approaching the technical area could lead to league discipline. However, this does not prevent goalkeepers from going down to break up opponents' momentum.
Trial Four: The Hybrid Model
A combination of the first and third trials: players cannot go to the touchline, and an outfield player (captain or selected by the manager) must leave the field for one minute. This aims to address both the tactical timeout and momentum-breaking stoppages simultaneously.
The Women's Super League has volunteered to test the trials. Ifab will review results in March 2027 and may choose one solution to implement globally.