Leeds United’s frustration with goalkeepers going down injured is no longer a one-off complaint, it is evidence of a rule the game is struggling to control. But now, IFAB are fighting back.
Daniel Farke’s accusation against Manchester City has now been reinforced by wider concern, with IFAB (International Football Association Board) understood to be examining the issue.
Leeds’ concerns became clear when Farke accused Gianluigi Donnarumma of going down with a fake injury during their clash with Man City. The stoppage was not incidental, it created a pause in play.
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That moment allowed City to reset, with Guardiola able to speak directly to his players as they regrouped, having used the stoppage to deliver instructions in real time. City would go on to win the match 3-2.
The issue is not just behaviour, it is structural Goalkeepers are allowed to receive treatment on the pitch while outfield players must leave it. That distinction creates a natural stoppage, unable to prevent it.
In practice, that means a goalkeeper going down halts the game without forcing a substitution or disadvantage, giving teams a window to reorganise without consequence.
This is becoming a repeatable tactic, not an isolated moment
On Saturday, Brentford did the same. Caoimhin Kelleher went down so the Brentford team could speak to Keith Andrews on the touchline, which Leeds’ social media team made blatantly clear on X.
Leeds United v Brentford - Premier League
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They said: “Becoming a common occurrence, as Kelleher goes down needing treatment after Leeds make subs. Looks like he’ll now be fine to continue after the Brentford players check in with their manager.”
What happened against Leeds is not unique, it reflects a wider shift where this behaviour is now being recognised as becoming a regular approach. It is not the first time Leeds have been victim to this.
Once a loophole is identified and carries no penalty, it becomes part of tactical planning, and this one offers a rare opportunity to pause the game without losing control.
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The governing body is already engaged, with journalist Henry Winter confirming IFAB are already addressing goalkeeper time-wasting as part of wider law discussions.
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Winter suggests IFAB are considering a rule change that means an outfield player must go off for at least 30 seconds, if the goalkeeper goes down and is forced to get treatment. An attempt to deter.
Now the focus has sharpened further, with claims that IFAB are now looking into this issue, elevating it from frustration on the touchline to a problem the laws of the game may need to fix.
Leeds’ experience has made the issue visible, but the responsibility does not sit with those exploiting it. The rules have created the opportunity, and until they change, this tactic will remain part of the game.
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