By Martin Graham
Players who need medical attention during matches may soon be required to remain off the pitch for 60 seconds under new plans backed by FIFA. The proposal is among several changes aimed at limiting stoppages and preserving the rhythm of games, due to be discussed at the International Football Association Board’s annual general meeting on Saturday.
Currently, the laws of the game do not specify how long an injured footballer must stay on the touchline. Individual competitions are permitted to introduce their own frameworks, with the Premier League implementing a 30-second requirement from the 2023-24 campaign.
FIFA tested a stricter version of the rule at the Arab Cup in December, obliging treated players to wait two minutes before returning. According to referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina, the extended spell was designed to curb deliberate delays and keep matches flowing more smoothly.
Major League Soccer already operates a comparable regulation, triggered when a player remains on the turf for longer than 15 seconds and medical staff enter the field.
Clubs fear unintended consequences
At a meeting in January, IFAB members agreed that a mandatory waiting period should be written into the laws. However, debate continued over its duration, with strong resistance to a two-minute sanction. A compromise of one minute has now been suggested, though concerns persist.
Some clubs worry the change could increase the risk of conceding while temporarily reduced to 10 men. Manchester United was frustrated last season when Matthijs de Ligt had to leave the field because of a cut, only for Brentford to score from a corner during his absence.
Supporters have already voiced irritation over the existing 30-second rule, and there are fears that longer enforced absences could heighten tensions, especially if teams concede during that period. While there is acknowledgment that some players exaggerate knocks to disrupt momentum, critics argue that harsher time limits may unfairly affect those with genuine injuries.
There would be specific exemptions. If an opposing player receives a yellow or red card, the injured individual could remain on the pitch. Goalkeepers would not be subject to the rule, and designated penalty takers would also be allowed to stay on.
Additional measures under discussion
No formal proposal is expected to address so-called tactical pauses, where a goalkeeper goes down away from the ball to allow coaches to deliver instructions. Advisory panels have examined the issue but have yet to reach a consensus.
Following positive feedback on the eight-second restriction for goalkeepers holding possession, further countdown procedures are likely to be introduced. Similar time limits are planned for goal kicks and throw-ins, with the ball awarded to the opposition if delays exceed the allowance.
Substituted players would also face a 10-second deadline to leave the field. Failure to do so would prevent their replacement from entering, meaning the side would continue with 10 players until the next stoppage, which must occur at least one minute later.
IFAB is also poised to authorise VAR reviews for incorrectly issued second yellow cards and, as an optional measure for competitions, for corner decisions. Meanwhile, the Canadian Premier League is expected to receive approval to begin trials of Arsene Wenger’s daylight offside concept.