The Premier League will trial a crackdown on goalkeepers feigning injury for the 2026-27 season after approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The Football Association announced the measure, championed collectively by Pro Ref, the FA, Premier League, English Football League, Women's Super League Football, and the National League, aims to maintain match pace and flow by addressing stoppages used to disrupt momentum or allow tactical instruction.

Under the trial, when play stops for a goalkeeper injury, the head coach must nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch immediately for a minimum of one minute after restart. If the coach fails to nominate within 10 seconds, the goalkeeper's captain is automatically selected. Exceptions include fouls on the goalkeeper requiring immediate treatment, collisions between goalkeeper and outfield player, and bleeding.

The first match featuring the trial will be the English League Cup tie between Tranmere and Rochdale on Saturday. The Premier League season opens Aug. 21 with Arsenal hosting Coventry. The rule works alongside the successful eight-second rule for goalkeeper ball retention and new five-second countdowns for delayed throw-ins and goal-kicks, plus a 10-second substitution exit requirement effective from the Carabao Cup on Aug. 1.