FIFA is pushing for a mandatory one-minute absence for players receiving medical treatment, a major escalation from the Premier League's current 30-second rule. The governing body believes this will significantly reduce time-wasting, following a two-minute trial at the Arab Cup. The proposal will be voted on by the International Football Association Board (Ifab) this weekend.

Clubs, including Manchester United, have voiced strong opposition. They argue a longer absence unfairly penalises teams forced to play with ten men, citing incidents where injuries led to conceded goals. While acknowledging players simulate injuries to break play, there is concern a strict rule would punish genuinely hurt athletes, though exemptions exist for goalkeepers and after red cards.

Alongside the injury timeout plan, Ifab is set to approve new countdown rules for goal-kicks, throw-ins, and substitutions. These measures, mirroring the successful eight-second rule for goalkeepers, aim to accelerate general play. The body will also allow VAR reviews for incorrectly awarded second yellow cards and permit the Canadian league to trial Arsene Wenger's daylight offside rule, but a solution for 'tactical timeouts' remains elusive.