FIFA has put forward a new proposal requiring players who receive on-field medical treatment for injuries to remain off the pitch for at least one minute before returning to play.
This measure is designed to reduce time-wasting tactics, minimize unnecessary disruptions, and ensure smoother, more continuous action in football matches.
The proposal, one of several initiatives aimed at addressing tempo disruption and lost playing time, is scheduled for discussion and potential approval at the upcoming annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) on Saturday.
IFAB, the body responsible for determining the Laws of the Game, will review the rule alongside other measures to promote fair play and improve the overall spectator experience.
Currently, football laws do not specify a minimum duration for which an injured player must stay off the field after receiving treatment. Practices vary across competitions for example, the Premier League applies a 30-second guideline in some cases leading to inconsistencies and opportunities for feigned injuries to break momentum or run down the clock.
FIFA's referees' chief, Pierluigi Collina, has long advocated for a fixed period of absence to discourage simulation and encourage genuine injury reporting only when necessary.
Previous trials, including a stricter two-minute rule tested during the Arab Cup, encountered resistance due to concerns over unfairly disadvantaged teams. The current one-minute proposal represents a balanced compromise, drawing lessons from those experiments and feedback from stakeholders.
"This change supports our ongoing commitment to protecting the integrity and flow of the game," said a FIFA spokesperson. "By introducing a brief mandatory off-field period, we aim to deter tactical interruptions while still allowing appropriate care for genuinely injured players. The goal is more effective playing time and a better experience for fans worldwide."
Exceptions are expected to apply in certain situations, such as serious injuries requiring extended assessment or cases involving head injuries, consistent with existing protocols for player welfare. The rule would not affect players substituted due to fouls resulting in cautions or send-offs.
If approved by IFAB, the new provision could be implemented progressively in FIFA competitions and potentially adopted by confederations and leagues globally, contributing to broader efforts to increase effective match time.
FIFA continues to work closely with IFAB, member associations, leagues, players, and referees to refine the Laws of the Game in ways that preserve football's excitement, fairness, and accessibility.