Premier League to introduce goalkeeper timeout rule from 2026-27

Photo: Pete Nowakowski from Sydney, Australia / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons

The Premier League has confirmed it will implement a new 'goalkeeper tactical timeout' rule starting in the 2026-27 season. The change follows approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

Under the new rule, if a match is stopped due to a goalkeeper injury, the manager or head coach must nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch for a minimum of one minute from the restart of play.

Pro Ref, which manages the division's match officials, said the trial was "championed collectively by Pro Ref, The FA, Premier League, EFL, WSL Football and the National League" and will apply across the men's and women's professional game in England.

The rule targets situations where goalkeeper injuries have been used to disrupt play. "There have been times when a goalkeeper has sat down and signalled for the physio, and his team have used the break as a competitive advantage," the Premier League said in a statement.

The league added that the aim of the trial is "to ensure genuine injuries continue to receive appropriate medical attention while removing any potential sporting advantage."

Several exceptions are included in the new rule. These cover cases where a free-kick is awarded for a foul on the goalkeeper requiring immediate treatment, where a goalkeeper and outfield player collide and both need attention, and where a goalkeeper is bleeding.