FIFA wants injured players to stay off the pitch for at least one minute after receiving treatment, as part of new plans to reduce time-wasting and improve the flow of matches, BBC Sport reports.
The proposal will be discussed at the annual meeting of the International Football Association Board (Ifab), which decides the laws of the game. If approved, it would introduce a fixed minimum period for players to remain off the field before returning.
There is currently no universal rule. The Premier League has used a 30-second guideline since the 2023-24 season, while FIFA trialled a stricter two-minute rule at the Arab Cup. The one-minute proposal is seen as a compromise.
FIFA referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina said the aim is to stop players from slowing the game down and to keep matches moving. Similar rules already exist in Major League Soccer.
However, some clubs are concerned teams could be left with 10 players during important moments, increasing the risk of conceding goals. There are exceptions, including goalkeepers and situations involving yellow or red cards.
If approved, the rule could be introduced in competitions worldwide from next season.
GFN | Finn Entwistle