Key Takeaways
- Goalkeepers are increasingly using fake injury stoppages to allow managers to deliver tactical instructions, as seen during Chelsea’s recent match against Leeds United
- Football’s lawmaking body IFAB will trial four different methods across various leagues during the 2026-27 season
- Proposed solutions include forcing outfield players to leave the pitch for 60-120 seconds or banning teams from approaching the dugout during treatment
Football officials are preparing to test four new methods to stop goalkeepers from feigning injuries to create tactical timeouts. The issue was highlighted during the recent FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Leeds United at Wembley Stadium.
During that match, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez sat down on the pitch and signalled for medical treatment. The referee stopped the game and allowed the physio to enter the field. While Sanchez received attention, all ten Chelsea outfield players ran to the technical area to receive instructions from the coaching staff.
Leeds supporters reacted with loud boos. They recognised this as a deliberate tactic to break their team’s momentum. Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu was so angry that he tried to stand inside the Chelsea huddle to disrupt the team talk.
This problem has grown in recent seasons. Previously, outfield players would fake injuries to stop matches. However, English football introduced a rule forcing any treated player to leave the pitch for 30 seconds. Managers then switched to using goalkeepers instead. A team cannot play without a goalkeeper, so there is no risk of playing with fewer players.
Currently, referees cannot refuse treatment to a goalkeeper in case the injury is genuine. This creates a loophole that managers exploit to regroup their players or stop the opposition’s rhythm.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has discussed this issue for two years. They have introduced new laws to stop time-wasting at goal kicks, throw-ins and substitutions for next season. However, they could not agree on how to solve the goalkeeper timeout problem immediately.
Instead, leagues can now volunteer to test four different solutions during the 2026-27 season. The Women’s Super League has already offered to take part. IFAB will review the results in March 2026 before deciding which solution to make permanent.
The first trial option would force one outfield player to leave the pitch for one minute when the goalkeeper receives treatment. This would match the new global rule that all treated players must leave for 60 seconds. The player could be the captain or someone chosen by the manager.
The second option works the same way but requires the outfield player to stay off for two minutes. Supporters of this idea say one minute is not long enough to stop desperate managers from breaking up play. Critics worry it might stop genuinely injured players from asking for help.
The third option follows a model already used in America’s National Women’s Soccer League. When a goalkeeper needs treatment, all players must stay where they are on the pitch or gather at the centre circle. They cannot go to the technical area. Teams that break this rule face punishment after the match.
The fourth option combines the first and third ideas. Players must stay away from the touchline, and one outfield player must leave the pitch for one minute.
These trials aim to close the loophole that allows teams to gain an unfair advantage through fake injuries.