The governing bodies of English football are preparing to roll out a pilot scheme next season that seeks to eliminate the practice of goalkeepers feigning injury to waste time and give their teams a tactical edge. The proposal has been signed off by the Premier League, the English Football League, the Football Association, the National League, the Women’s Super League and the Professional Referees’ Association, all of which have received approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to proceed with the experiment.
The problem the trial aims to address is well‑known among coaches, players and officials: a goalkeeper, after a collision or a seemingly minor knock, may exaggerate the severity of the incident, prompting the referee to allow a medical professional onto the field. During that pause, the defending side can regroup, receive instructions, or simply run down the clock, especially when the match is nearing its final minutes. Critics argue that such contrived stoppages disrupt the natural flow of the game and can unfairly influence the outcome.
After a series of consultations, the participating organisations have agreed on a straightforward penalty to deter the behaviour. Should the referee signal that a physio may attend to the goalkeeper, the manager will have a ten‑second window to nominate an outfield player who will be required to leave the pitch for at least one minute after play resumes. If the manager fails to make a selection within that period, the team captain will be compelled to exit the field instead. The designated player must remain off the field for a full minute, ensuring that the defending side loses a tactical resource while the injured goalkeeper receives legitimate medical attention.
The rationale behind this approach is twofold. First, it preserves the right of any player who is truly injured to obtain the care they need without delay. Second, it removes any incentive for goalkeepers to simulate injuries as a time‑wasting device, thereby protecting the integrity and continuity of the match.
By imposing a tangible cost—temporarily reducing the number of players on the field—the rule aims to make teams think twice before exploiting the stoppage for strategic gain. The trial will be closely monitored throughout the season by the same bodies that devised it, together with IFAB and other stakeholder groups. Data will be collected on how often the rule is invoked, the impact on game tempo, and any unintended consequences for player welfare.
The findings will inform whether the measure should become a permanent fixture of the Laws of the Game or be adjusted further. Initial implementation could appear as early as the preliminary round of the Carabao Cup, providing a high‑stakes environment in which to test the effectiveness of the rule. The timing is significant because cup matches often feature tight schedules and heightened tactical awareness, making them an ideal laboratory for observing goalkeeper‑related time‑wasting. The issue has already sparked public debate.
In November, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke publicly accused Manchester City’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of deliberately exaggerating an injury to halt play and give his side a tactical breather. Farke suggested that such conduct "bends the rules" and undermines fair competition. Later, in December, former England international and pundit Gary Neville alleged that Newcastle United’s Aaron Ramsdale had been instructed by his teammate Lewis Hall—following a direction from manager Eddie Howe—to go down after a challenge from Manchester United, effectively engineering a pause in the match.
Neville’s speculation was based on a specific incident in which United’s Luke Shaw was poised to take a throw‑in in the eighth minute when play was stopped. Neville said, "I am being a little cynical, I might be proven completely wrong but I think Eddie Howe told Lewis Hall to tell Aaron Ramsdale to go down.
I think there’s a message being sent and they are reacting to what United are doing. Look at what Lewis Hall is doing. I think Eddie Howe said ‘stop the game’.’" The match eventually ended 1‑0 to Manchester United after a goal from Patrick Dorgu, but the controversy surrounding the alleged tactical timeout lingered. More recently, in March, Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler voiced criticism of his own goalkeeper, David Raya, for appearing to take a tactical timeout during a league fixture.
Hurzeler’s comments underscored how pervasive the perception of goalkeeper time‑wasting has become across the top tiers of English football. Beyond the on‑field implications, the trial reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding player welfare while maintaining the sport’s competitive balance. By ensuring that genuine injuries are treated promptly and that no team can exploit the medical substitution process for strategic advantage, the rule seeks to uphold the spirit of fair play. Fans can follow the trial’s progress through official club channels, the Sky Sports app, and other broadcast partners.
While the trial is still in its infancy, the collective hope among administrators is that it will lead to a smoother, more authentic match experience for players and spectators alike. If successful, the rule could be adopted worldwide, setting a new standard for how the game handles potential abuse of medical stoppages. In the meantime, supporters are encouraged to stay informed, watch the upcoming fixtures, and engage in the conversation about how best to protect the integrity of football while ensuring that player health remains the top priority.