Four ways to tackle football's frustrating 'tactical time-out'
Summary
Football matches have seen a rise in players, especially goalkeepers, faking injuries to stop play and allow their teams to regroup. The football governing body, Ifab, has not yet changed the rules but plans to test new ways to stop this tactic during the 2026-27 season. The Women's Super League has agreed to help try out these possible changes.Key Facts
- Goalkeepers often fake injuries to stop the game and let their coach give instructions.
- This tactic is used to break the opposing team’s momentum or to plan strategy during play.
- Referees cannot punish players without proof of faking an injury.
- Ifab has discussed the issue for years but has not made a final rule change yet.
- New rules will limit delays in other parts of the game, like goal-kicks and substitutions, starting next season.
- Trials on stopping the goalkeeper tactical time-out will happen in the 2026-27 season.
- The Women's Super League will participate in testing these new rules.
- One proposed trial is to remove an outfield player for one minute when a player claims injury.
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