Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez slowed his pace on Wembley turf, signalling treatment during Sunday’s FA Cup semi‑final with Leeds United. Referee Jarred Gillett halted play, ushered on the physio and watched the entire Chelsea outfield line shuffle to the technical area for a quick team talk. Leeds supporters erupted in boos, recognising the growing habit of goalkeepers feigning injury to break momentum.

The International Football Association Board has been wrestling with the problem for years, but no new law will be ready for the 2025‑26 season. Instead, IFAB will invite domestic leagues to trial four concepts during 2026‑27. Proposals range from forcing an outfield player to leave the pitch for one minute when a keeper receives treatment, to extending that period to two minutes, or banning any approach to the technical area altogether.

The Women’s Super League volunteered to host the experiments, while the NWSL has already imposed a rule that bars players from congregating near the touchline during goalkeeper stoppages. If the one‑minute or hybrid model proves effective, the new provision could become a permanent law, stripping coaches of a cheap time‑out and forcing teams to manage momentum with genuine tactical changes.