England’s new ‘injured goalkeeper’ timewasting rule approved for 2026-27 Premier League season

A new rule designed in England to cut down on timewasting when goalkeepers claim injury has been formally approved and will come into force from the start of the 2026-27 Premier League season.

The measure, cleared by the relevant football authorities after trials and consultations, specifically targets situations where play is delayed for long periods because a goalkeeper remains on the ground receiving treatment, often in the closing stages of matches.

Under the new regulation, if a goalkeeper requires on-pitch medical attention that leads to a notable stoppage, the referee will have the option to require the goalkeeper to leave the field for a fixed period after treatment, in line with protocols already applied to outfield players in some competitions. The intention is to remove the incentive for keepers to exaggerate or prolong injuries simply to run down the clock.

The rule will apply across Premier League fixtures and is designed to work alongside existing guidance on added time, concussion protocols and serious injuries, which will continue to take priority. Referees will retain discretion not to enforce the temporary removal if they believe the goalkeeper has suffered a significant injury or where safety could be compromised.

Football’s lawmakers and competition organisers in England have been increasingly concerned about what they regard as systematic timewasting, particularly by teams attempting to protect narrow leads. Goalkeepers staying down for extended periods, often without a clear, serious injury, has been highlighted as one of the most visible and frustrating forms of delay for both players and supporters.

The new approach follows broader global moves, including in FIFA and IFAB competitions, to clamp down on lost time by more accurately calculating stoppages at the end of each half. However, the English rule is viewed as a more targeted intervention aimed specifically at goalkeepers’ behaviour.

Clubs have been informed of the upcoming change ahead of pre-season so that managers, coaching staff and medical teams can adapt their matchday routines and goalkeeper preparation accordingly. Referees and fourth officials are also receiving detailed briefings and training on how and when to apply the new regulation to ensure consistency across the league.

Supporters’ groups and several managers have previously voiced frustration at the frequency and length of stoppages involving goalkeepers, particularly in high-stakes matches. Backers of the new rule believe it will encourage quicker restarts, reduce flashpoints between players and officials, and help maintain the flow of games without undermining legitimate treatment for genuine injuries.

The rule will be monitored closely during its first season, with feedback from referees, clubs and medical staff expected to inform any future adjustments. Authorities will review data on stoppage lengths, added time and substitution patterns to assess whether the measure is effectively reducing timewasting while safeguarding player welfare.

The decision places England at the forefront of experimental regulation in this specific area of match control, with other European leagues expected to watch the implementation and impact of the new goalkeeper timewasting rule with interest.