FIFA prohibits tactical timeouts for goalkeepers in the World Cup.

FIFA set to revolutionize this summer’s World Cup with unprecedented ban aimed at ending one of modern football’s most controversial tactics: the goalkeepers’ “tactical timeout.” Players will no longer be allowed to approach the touchline to receive instructions from coaches when the goalkeeper is on the ground, injured, or simulating an injury, in a measure designed to put an end to strategically interrupted games that waste time and confuse the opponent.

Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s chief refereeing officer, revealed this fundamental change imposed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which aims to eradicate this practice that has become common in several leagues, including the Premier League. A notable example occurred last November, when Leeds manager Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of faking an injury to “bend the rules” and disrupt the flow of the game.

In a bid to eliminate this maneuver, teams will not be allowed to move to the touchline during a stoppage caused by a goalkeeper’s injury. Players must remain where they are or gather in the center circle, prohibited from seeking out coaches for tactical instructions. The new rule will be strictly enforced by referees, although Collina assured that no yellow cards will be shown nor will there be immediate disciplinary sanctions for those who disregard this rule, as it is primarily a matter of awareness and prevention.

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This measure has already been partially tested in the United States’ professional women’s league (NWSL) and will be implemented in all matches of the World Cup. To ensure compliance, sessions were held with the coaches of the 48 qualified teams, where it became clear that referees will be vigilant and will act proactively to prevent any attempts at “tactical timeouts.”

Collina stated: “The goalkeeper has the right to be injured, but players do not have the right to leave the field to have a sort of timeout with the coaches.” This intervention represents a clear attempt to restore fluidity and fairness to the game, combating tactics that, while legal until now, were considered unsportsmanlike and detrimental to the spectacle.

In addition to this measure, five other regulatory changes have been announced for the World Cup, all aimed at speeding up the game and reinforcing the authority of referees, but none with the media impact and strategic significance that this ban on “tactical timeouts” will certainly have. World football is thus preparing for a change that could forever alter the way games are managed, with referees gaining the power to control these artificial pauses that so irritated fans and coaches. The 2024 World Cup promises to be not only a stage for talent and emotion but also for innovation and disciplinary rigor.

This article first appeared on [Apito Final](https://apitofinal.pt/).