Referees' Association in England Announces New Rule

The English Football Referees' Association (PGMOL) has approved a trial for a new rule regarding goalkeeper injuries, set to commence in the 2026-2027 season. This initiative aims to reduce deliberate time-wasting and enhance the flow of matches.

Under the new trial rule, if play is stopped due to a goalkeeper's injury, the team's coach will be required to choose one outfield player to leave the pitch immediately, with that player remaining off the field for at least one minute after play resumes.

The league has clarified that there are exceptions to this rule, which include situations where the goalkeeper suffers an injury requiring immediate treatment, instances of collision between the goalkeeper and a field player, or if the goalkeeper is bleeding and needs urgent medical intervention.

The league has announced further modifications that will be implemented during the 2026-2027 season, including a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks in case of delays, as well as requiring substituted players to leave the pitch within a maximum of ten seconds.

The league has also confirmed the continuation of the eight-second rule regarding goalkeepers' ball possession, which was introduced for the first time last season, as part of a series of measures aimed at reducing time-wasting and increasing actual playing time.