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IFAB Weighs Rule Requiring Outfield Player Exit During Goalkeeper Treatment

The plan faces further debate at the January 20 annual meeting after high-profile use of stoppages for touchline coaching.

Overview

  • Lawmakers are considering forcing teams to remove a nominated outfield player for 30 seconds whenever their goalkeeper receives treatment to align with existing outfield protocols.
  • The discussions follow advisory panel meetings in October that backed measures to improve game flow and reduce interruptions linked to so-called tactical timeouts.
  • Banning players from approaching the touchline for instructions during stoppages is also under consideration as a complementary step.
  • Current guidance requires treated outfield players to leave the field briefly, whereas goalkeepers are exempt, creating a loophole exploited for coaching opportunities.
  • Attention intensified after Manchester City’s win over Leeds, when Daniel Farke accused Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury as Pep Guardiola gathered players for instructions during the break.