By Martin Graham
Players who need medical attention during matches will soon have to stay off the pitch for 60 seconds under new FIFA-backed plans. The proposal is among several changes aimed at limiting stoppages and preserving the pace of games, which will be discussed at the International Football Association Board’s annual general meeting on Saturday.
Currently, the laws of the game do not specify how long an injured footballer must remain on the touchline. Individual competitions are allowed to introduce their own frames, with the Premier League implementing a 30-second requirement from the 2023-24 campaign.
FIFA tried a stricter version of the rule at the Arab Cup in December, forcing players who have been treated to wait two minutes before returning. According to head referee Pierluigi Collina, the extended spell was designed to curb deliberate delays and make matches flow more smoothly.
Major League Soccer already applies a comparable regulation, activated when a player remains on the turf for more than 15 seconds and medical personnel enter the field.
Clubs fear unintended consequences
At a meeting in January, IFAB members agreed that a mandatory waiting period should be written into the laws. However, the debate continued for its duration, with strong resistance to a two-minute penalty. A compromise of one minute has now been suggested, although concerns remain.
Some clubs fear the move could increase the risk of letting go while temporarily reduced to 10 men. Manchester United were left frustrated last season when Matthijs de Ligt had to leave the pitch due to a cut, only for Brentford to score from a corner during his absence.
Supporters have already expressed irritation at the existing 30-second rule, and there are fears longer enforced absences could increase tensions, particularly if teams concede during that period. While it is recognized that some players exaggerate hits to break momentum, critics argue that the tougher time limits can unfairly affect those with genuine injuries.
There would be specific exemptions. If an opposing player receives a yellow or red card, the injured individual may remain on the pitch. Goalkeepers would not be subject to the rule, and designated referees could also remain.
Additional measures under discussion
No formal proposal is expected to address so-called tactical breaks, where a goalkeeper steps off the ball to allow coaches to give instructions. Advisory groups have examined the issue, but have not yet reached a consensus.
Following positive feedback on the eight-second restriction for goalkeepers in possession, further countdown procedures are likely to be introduced. Similar time limits are provided for goal kicks and throw-ins, with the ball awarded to the opposition if delays exceed the allowance.
Substituted players would also have 10 seconds to leave the field. Failure to do so would prevent the entry of his substitute, meaning the team would continue with 10 players until the next stoppage, which must occur at least one minute later.
The IFAB is also prepared to authorize VAR reviews for incorrectly issued second yellow cards and, as an optional measure for competitions, for corner decisions. Meanwhile, the Canadian Premier League is expected to receive approval to begin testing Arsene Wenger’s daytime offside concept.
