Sport24.az
The English Football Association has confirmed that a new rule will be implemented in the 2026/27 season regarding goalkeepers receiving medical attention when injured. According to Sport24.az, this rule has also been welcomed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
This initiative is supported by the Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, Women's Super League, National League, and Professional Game Match Officials Limited. This aims to reduce time-wasting and ensure a faster tempo of games.
According to the new rule, if the game is stopped due to a goalkeeper's injury, the head coach must immediately nominate a player to leave the field. This player will be allowed to return to the field at least one minute after the game resumes.
This rule is intended to prevent teams from using their goalkeeper's fake injury as a tactical tool to stop opponents' attacks, waste time, or receive additional coaching instructions.
However, there are some exceptions. If a goalkeeper requires urgent medical attention after a foul, a temporary player disqualification will not be applied. This rule will not be applied if the goalkeeper collides with a teammate and both players require medical attention or if the goalkeeper is bleeding.
This rule will be used in both men's and women's professional football in England.
The competition organizers will monitor the experience throughout the season with IFAB to determine whether the game's progress has improved.
