English football's major governing bodies have agreed to trial a new rule aimed at eliminating goalkeeper tactical timeouts — a practice critics say is used to waste time and allow managers to relay instructions during stoppages.

The Premier League, EFL, FA, National League, WSL, and Pro Ref have all signed off on the trial following approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB). It could be seen as early as the Carabao Cup preliminary round.

How the new rule works

Under the proposed trial, if a referee waves on a physio to treat a goalkeeper, the coach will have 10 seconds to nominate an outfield player to temporarily leave the pitch. That player must remain off the field for a minimum of one minute after play resumes.

If the coaching staff fail to select a player within the allotted time, the team captain will automatically be required to leave the field for that period.

Organisers say the measure is designed to ensure genuine injuries still receive full medical attention, while stripping away any tactical advantage that could be gained from manufactured stoppages.

A problem that has drawn widespread criticism

The issue gained significant attention throughout the 2025-26 season. In November, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" and disrupt the flow of play.

In December, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville claimed that Newcastle United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale went to ground against Manchester United following a signal from left-back Lewis Hall — acting on instructions from manager Eddie Howe.

"I am going to be a little bit cynical, I might be proven completely wrong but I think Eddie Howe told Lewis Hall to tell Ramsdale to go down. I think there's a message gone on and I think they are changing on the back of what United are doing. Look at what Lewis Hall is doing. I think Eddie Howe said 'stop the game',"

Neville said at the time. Manchester United had taken the lead through Patrick Dorgu earlier in the match, which ended 1-0.

In March, Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler also publicly criticised Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya for what he described as a tactical timeout during a match.

Ongoing monitoring

English football authorities have confirmed they will monitor the trial across the season in conjunction with IFAB and other stakeholders, assessing its impact on game flow and player welfare standards.