The FA have confirmed that the International Football Association Board have approved a new goalkeeper injury trial for the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City speaks with referee Michael Oliver during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium on May 04, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
The FA have officially announced that English football has received approval from IFAB to trial a new system to cut down on tactical goalkeeper injury timeouts.
For a while, teams have abused the fact that a goalkeeper going down for medical treatment doesn’t have to leave the field of play afterwards. A goalkeeper can go down, disrupt momentum, and give their team time to address things tactically during the break, with no negative consequences.
The trial will introduce such a consequence, requiring the head coach to immediately nominate a player to leave the pitch for a minimum of one minute after the game restarts.
Eberechi Eze of Arsenal is substituted with an injury during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on April 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
There will be exceptions to the rule, including if the goalkeeper is fouled, if the goalkeeper is bleeding, or if the goalkeeper and an outfield player have collided and both need attention.
But the hope is that this will cut down on potential sporting advantages associated with such stoppages.
The FA add that they will also be introducing a five-second countdown option for match officials to use when they believe players are unfairly delaying a throw-in or goal-kick. The system was used at the World Cup, and it will now be introduced in English football.
Finally, a ten-second limit will be in place for players leaving the pitch when substituted.
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 10: Antonin Kinsky of Tottenham Hotspur leaves the pitch after being substituted, and is replaced by Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano on March 10, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
The trial will take place across the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the League Cup this season, as well as the upcoming Community Shield match. So it will apply to Arsenal in all competitions except the Champions League.
Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates with the Premier League trophy aboard their open top bus on May 31, 2026 in Islington, England. Arsenal clinched their first Premier League title in 22 years earlier this month
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
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