FIFA, the international governing body of football, is proposing a new rule that could see injured players forced to stay off the field for one minute. This proposal is part of a series of measures aimed at tackling tempo disruption and time lost during matches. Currently, there are no specific laws dictating how long an injured player must remain on the sidelines. Leagues have been setting their own guidelines; for instance, the Premier League has implemented a 30-second rule since the 2023-24 season.
However, FIFA trialed its own rules at the Arab Cup in December where it required players to stay off-field for two minutes. According to Pierluigi Collina, FIFA referees' chief, this two-minute rule aims to reduce time-wasting and improve game flow. This approach mirrors Major League Soccer's policy which comes into effect if a player remains on ground for more than 15 seconds and requires medical attention.
Despite these trials and discussions at an International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting in January about adding a fixed period into laws, there was disagreement over its duration with strong opposition against two minutes. As such, one minute has been proposed as a compromise solution.
Concerns over unintended consequences
While these changes aim to improve game flow and reduce time-wasting tactics by feigning injuries, concerns persist about potential negative impacts. For example last season Manchester United expressed frustration when Matthijs de Ligt was forced off-field due to injury while Brentford scored from a corner kick during his absence.
The fear is that extending this absence period could increase chances of teams conceding goals while down to ten players. Moreover, it could also penalize genuinely injured players who may require more than one minute off-field treatment.
There are exceptions proposed though: if an opponent receives yellow or red card, the injured player doesn't need to stay off. Goalkeepers and penalty takers are also exempt from this rule.
Other proposed changes
IFAB is also expected to approve new countdown measures following the success of the eight-second rule for goalkeepers holding the ball. Similar processes will be added to goal-kicks and throw-ins, with possession changing hands if it takes too long. A 10-second limit will be applied to substituted players - if they do not leave the pitch within this time frame, their replacement will not be allowed on.
However, IFAB is not expected to pass any resolution regarding tactical timeouts - instances when a goalkeeper goes down off-ball allowing coaches to relay new instructions.
IFAB's advisory panels have discussed these issues extensively but have yet to reach an agreement on a solution. They are also expected to approve video assistant referee reviews for wrongly awarded second yellow cards and corners as optional competition rules.
The Canadian Premier League may also receive permission for trials of Arsene Wenger's daylight offside rule. As football continues evolving with these proposed changes, fans can expect more dynamic games while ensuring fair play remains at its core.
