LONDON — The upcoming Premier League season will initiate a trial aimed at addressing instances where goalkeepers may feign injury to disrupt the game’s flow or provide time for tactical instructions from coaches.
The English Football Association announced on Monday that this approach has received the go-ahead from the global governing body’s rule-making panel.
“English football has obtained approval from the International Football Association Board [IFAB] to launch a new trial concerning goalkeeper injuries for the 2026-27 season, reflecting our dedication to preserving the pace and rhythm of matches,” stated the FA.
This trial, “collectively supported” by Pro Ref, the FA, Premier League, English Football League, Women’s Super League Football, and the National League, is intended to tackle situations where goalkeepers might use injury claims to disrupt the game’s momentum or buy time for tactical discussions.
The Premier League’s kickoff will feature Arsenal defending their title at home against the newly promoted Coventry on August 21.
Under the trial’s rules, when play is halted due to a goalkeeper’s injury, the head coach must instantly designate an outfield player to exit the pitch. This player must stay off the field for at least one minute following the game’s restart.
According to domestic media, if a coach fails to name a player within 10 seconds after the referee signals that the goalkeeper can receive treatment, the team’s captain will be the default choice.
There will be exceptions for certain situations, such as when a free kick is given for a foul on the goalkeeper requiring immediate treatment, when two players have collided, or if the goalkeeper is bleeding.
“The objective is to ensure that genuine injuries are appropriately treated while eliminating any sporting advantage that may arise from stoppages,” a joint statement explained.
The BBC reported that the first match to implement this trial will be the English League Cup game between Tranmere and Rochdale on Saturday.
Last season, a rule was introduced punishing goalkeepers for holding onto the ball for more than eight seconds, resulting in a corner kick for the opposing team.
This change was viewed positively, and this season officials will also enforce a five-second countdown for players delaying throw-ins or goal kicks.
Additionally, players will have a limit of 10 seconds to leave the pitch when substituted, effective from the start of the Carabao Cup on August 1.
Information from PA and The Associated Press contributed to this report.