English football agrees trial to end goalkeeper tactical timeouts

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that English football authorities have agreed a proposed trial aimed at stopping “goalkeeper tactical timeouts,” in which treatment to a goalkeeper creates an opportunity for coaches to gather players and reset play. The plan has been backed by the Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League and Women’s Super League, but still requires approval from the International Football Association Board (Ifab). If permission arrives in time, BBC Sport says the trial could begin with Tranmere’s Carabao Cup preliminary round match against Rochdale on Saturday, 1 August.

Under the proposal, when a referee allows medical staff onto the pitch to treat a goalkeeper, the team’s coach would have 10 seconds to name an outfield player who must leave the field for one minute. The choice would be communicated to the fourth official. If no player is nominated in time, the captain would be required to go off. The rule is designed to mirror the existing treatment protocol for outfield players and to discourage teams from using goalkeeper injuries to slow momentum or hold a tactical discussion.

BBC Sport says the idea followed talks involving Pro Ref, led by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb, after Ifab opted earlier this year not to make an immediate law change and instead invited leagues to run trials. Exemptions would apply in cases including serious injury, concussion, bleeding, a foul on the goalkeeper requiring urgent treatment, or a collision between the goalkeeper and a team-mate.

The issue has become more contentious in recent seasons, with managers and supporters questioning whether some stoppages are genuine. BBC Sport says Ifab will review trial outcomes during the season, with the possibility of a global law change from 2027-28.