A new rule designed to stop goalkeepers feigning injury to force tactical stoppages could be introduced in English football as early as this weekend. The widely-criticised timeouts have become increasingly common in recent seasons, with keepers going to ground supposedly hurt, leaving referees no option but to halt play under current regulations.
A physio then treats the goalkeeper before the match resumes at a different phase, disrupting the flow and allowing players to consult coaches during the break. Unlike outfield players, who must wait on the touchline after play resumes, goalkeepers have exploited this loophole.
How the new rule will work
According to BBC Sport, if a referee allows a physio onto the pitch to treat a goalkeeper, the team's manager must nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch for one minute. If the manager fails to select a player within 10 seconds, the team's captain is automatically chosen.
The Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League and Women's Super League have all backed the change. However, approval is required from the International Football Association Board (IFAB), reports the Mirror. IFAB opted against amending the ruling earlier this year, instead inviting leagues to volunteer for trials.
Potential first match
If given the green light in England, the law could be seen for the first time during Saturday's Carabao Cup preliminary round fixture between Tranmere Rovers and Rochdale at Prenton Park.
In November, Leeds United boss Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of faking an injury to 'bend the rules' during a match at the Etihad Stadium. Farke said: "Everyone knows why he went down. It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of fair play?
"If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution. I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied." He added: "If we don't educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can't complain."
