In a bid to maintain the momentum of the game and prevent unfair advantages, FIFA referees' chief Pierluigi Collina has announced that players will be prohibited from going to the technical area to consult with coaches when goalkeepers are injured and go down during the 2026 World Cup.
Users of Easybet will know only too well this tactic, which has become a blight on the beautiful game across club and international football in recent years. Now, former high-level referee Collina is using his power and influence to stomp it out.
The 'goalkeeper tactical timeout' is a strategy used by managers to relay new instructions to their players or to disrupt the opposition's momentum. This tactic involves the goalkeeper feigning injury, signalling for the physio, while other players rush to the technical area for a team talk. Once the coach has delivered his instructions, the goalkeeper resumes play.
There are genuine goalkeeper injuries, but they are in the minority when compared to the huge number of occasions when goalkeepers slump to the ground and signal for medical support as a ploy to enable their managers to communicate with the rest of the team.
This tactic has been criticised for bending the rules and breaking up play.
FIFA has taken steps to address this issue, although no law change has been agreed upon yet. Leagues have been invited to conduct trials throughout the 2026-27 season to find a solution.
The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States has already introduced a temporary measure. If a goalkeeper is injured, players from both teams must stay where they are or gather in the centre circle. FIFA plans to apply the same logic and prevent players from going to the touchline.
However, this only addresses part of the problem as it does not prevent the tactic from being used to disrupt the other team's momentum. Collina has emphasised that all nations should be aware that this is now not permitted.
FIFA is also set to implement VAR changes at the World Cup
In addition to addressing the goalkeeper tactical timeout issue, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a change to the video assistant referee (VAR) protocol. This change will allow reviews of attacking fouls that occur before the ball is in play.
This change was prompted by several instances where goals were scored following a foul before the ball was in play. Under the new protocol, any foul before the ball is in play that has a direct impact can be reviewed. This applies to a goal, penalty kick, or disciplinary sanction which happens on a corner or free-kick.
The introduction of this new law surrounding fouls is sure to be music to the ears of online sports betting fans, as it should positively impact several markers which are popular among such players.
Players will be punished for covering their mouths
In yet another law change ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Collina also introduced a new rule for players who cover their mouth with a hand, arm, or shirt in confrontation with an opponent. This will now result in a red card.
The decision follows a controversial incident involving Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr in a Champions League game in February.
The upcoming World Cup will see several law changes aimed at eradicating tactics to slow the tempo of play and waste time, or worse. These include a countdown for throw-ins and goal-kicks, time-limited substitutions, off-field treatment rules, and sanctions for players covering their mouths.
In addition to these changes, the VAR protocol will also see a few tweaks, including the ability to check corners and review second yellows.
These changes aim to maintain the integrity of the game and ensure a fair and exciting World Cup for all sports fans and sports betting fans.
