FIFA proposes that injured players remain off the field for one minute.

A FIFA is preparing a significant change to football rules that could impact how matches are played, particularly in injury situations. According to new proposals, players requiring treatment for injuries may be required to remain off the field for one minute, a measure aimed at combating time-wasting and game disruption. This proposal will be discussed at the annual meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) taking place next Saturday.

Currently, there is no clear rule determining how long a player must be off the field after an injury. Leagues have the freedom to establish their own guidelines; for example, the Premier League implemented a 30-second rule in the 2023-24 season. FIFA tested a different approach during the Arab Cup in December, requiring players to stay off for two minutes. Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s head of referees, explained that the two-minute rule aimed to reduce lost time and improve the flow of the game.

While the one-minute proposal is seen as a compromise, there are significant concerns about its consequences. BBC Sport reported that there will be intense debate over how this new rule could affect team performance. For example, Manchester United expressed frustration last season when player Matthijs de Ligt had to leave the field due to a cut, resulting in a goal for Brentford while he was off.

The fear is that a one-minute absence could increase the likelihood of a team conceding a goal while down a player. Even the current 30-second rule already causes frustration among fans, and the introduction of a new time limit could further complicate the dynamics of matches. Additionally, it is recognized that there are instances where players simulate injuries to stop the game, but there are concerns that an increased time limit could unfairly penalize those who are genuinely injured.

There are some exceptions to the new rule. If an opposing player is cautioned with a yellow or red card, the injured player does not need to leave the field. Goalkeepers and penalty takers are also exempt from this new rule. However, the IFAB has yet to address the issue of “tactical stoppage,” where a goalkeeper pretends to be injured to allow the coach to instruct their team.

Another measure that is expected to be approved is the introduction of time counts for throw-ins and goal kicks. Thus, if the execution time is excessive, possession of the ball will be awarded to the opposing team. In addition, a limit of 10 seconds will be applied for substituted players to leave the field; otherwise, the substitute player will not be allowed to enter, and the team will have to play with 10 players until the next stoppage of play.

The IFAB is also considering the approval of video assistant referee reviews for incorrectly awarded yellow or red cards, as well as allowing the Canadian Premier League to start testing the offside concept proposed by Arsène Wenger. The discussion surrounding these new rules promises to further shake up the world of football as a balance is sought between spectacle and fairness in the game.