The top leagues in English football, including Premier League, EFL, FA and Pro Ref, will trial new measures to curb goalkeeper tactical timeouts next season after receiving permission from IFAB. The rule requires a coach to select an outfield player to leave the pitch for a minimum minute when a goalkeeper’s injury is called and the physio is allowed onto the field. If no player is chosen, the captain must step off.

The aim is to preserve genuine injury treatment while removing any advantage from stoppages. The trial will run throughout the season, with a first potential appearance in the Carabao Cup preliminary round. High‑profile incidents have already drawn attention: Leeds United boss Daniel Farke accused Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury, and Gary Neville suggested Newcastle’s Aaron Ramsdale was instructed to go down by Lewis Hall under Eddie Howe’s direction.

The new rule will be monitored closely to assess its impact on game flow and player welfare.