England trials bizarre rule to combat goalkeeper time-wasting

A new rule is being introduced in England to curb unsportsmanlike time-wasting by goalkeepers.

If the game is interrupted due to a goalkeeper injury, the coach must designate an outfield player who must leave the field for 60 seconds. If no player leaves the field within ten seconds, the captain is automatically sent off. It is planned as a pilot project for 2026/27.

There are exceptions

"The trial will be implemented across all professional men's and women's football in England and aims to regulate situations where goalkeeper injuries are used to disrupt the flow of play, slow down the game, or create opportunities for tactical instructions," it states.

However, there are exceptions. If the goalkeeper needs treatment after a foul, the rule does not apply. The same applies if the goalkeeper collides with another player or is bleeding.