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The FA have confirmed three Arsenal time-wasting rules ahead of the 2026/27 season, including a new trial targeting tactical goalkeeper injury stoppages. Mikel Arteta could be forced to temporarily remove an outfield player whenever treatment is required for David Raya.
English football has received permission from the International Football Association Board to introduce the goalkeeper injury trial across the professional game.
Under the system, Arteta must immediately nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch whenever a match is stopped because Raya requires treatment.
The selected player must remain off for at least one minute after play restarts. Arsenal would therefore continue with ten players during that period.
The FA’s official announcement explains that the trial is designed to stop goalkeeper injuries being used to interrupt momentum or create unofficial tactical breaks.
🚨🚨| BREAKING: PGMOL confirm new goalkeeper injury trial — an outfield player must 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐂𝐇 if the game stops for a keeper injury.
The outfield player must stay off for at least one minute — this is aimed at stopping intentional time-wasting delays. pic.twitter.com/dAIf3ifnD4
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) July 27, 2026
Arsenal time-wasting rules include countdowns
The goalkeeper trial will not apply when Raya has been fouled, is bleeding or collides with an outfield player who also requires treatment. Exceptions also cover injuries caused by physical offences when immediate treatment is necessary.
The trial will operate across Arsenal’s domestic competitions, including the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield. It will not form part of their Champions League campaign.
Referees can also begin a five-second visual countdown when they believe a throw-in or goal-kick is being deliberately delayed.
A late throw-in will be awarded to the opposition. Delaying a goal-kick beyond the countdown will give the opposing team a corner.
Players being substituted must leave the pitch within ten seconds. Should they fail, their replacement cannot enter until the first stoppage after one minute of play has passed.
ReadArsenal previously examined the anti-time-wasting measures used during the World Cup, when Arteta’s players first encountered the new countdowns and tighter treatment rules.
Arsenal were accused of delaying restarts and using goalkeeper stoppages during their title-winning campaign. The new system removes much of the possible benefit and gives officials clear punishments to apply.