Football could soon see a notable change in handling injuries, as FIFA has suggested a new rule requiring players who receive treatment to remain off the pitch for at least one minute before returning to play.
Purpose of the Rule
The main goal of this proposal is to reduce time-wasting, minimize unnecessary stoppages, and maintain the pace of matches. Currently, football’s laws do not specify how long injured players must stay off the field, leaving leagues to set their own informal standards.
Some domestic competitions, like the English Premier League, have already introduced a 30 second off field guideline, but FIFA wants a unified global standard.
Trials and Adjustments
The idea has already been tested during events like the Arab Cup, where players treated for injuries stayed off the pitch for two minutes. However, many stakeholders felt that two minutes was too long and could put teams at a disadvantage. The proposed one-minute rule is considered a compromise, discouraging intentional delays while limiting disruption to gameplay.
Next Steps
The proposal will be reviewed at the International Football Association Board (IFAB) Annual General Meeting. If approved, it would become part of the official Laws of the Game worldwide.
Alongside this, IFAB is considering additional measures such as timers for throw-ins, goal kicks, and substitutions to curb time-wasting more broadly.
Mixed Reactions
Supporters argue that the rule will make matches more dynamic and fair, while critics worry that even a short absence could affect a team’s performance if a key player is injured.
This rule is among the most debated potential changes in recent football history, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing player safety with maintaining match flow and entertainment.