The International Football Association Board is set to approve a new rule requiring treated players to remain off the pitch for 60 seconds to improve game tempo and discourage simulated injuries.
FIFA has proposed a mandatory one-minute sideline wait for players receiving on-field medical treatment to combat time-wasting.
Set for approval at Saturday’s IFAB meeting, the rule aims to streamline play. FIFA referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina stated the measure is “intended to reduce time-wasting and improve the flow of the game.”
Concerns remain that teams could be unfairly penalized while playing with ten men.
The proposal follows trials of a stricter two-minute rule, which faced significant pushback from leagues.
One minute is viewed as a “halfway house” compromise, though critics fear unintended consequences during critical match phases.
Exceptions will exist for goalkeepers and incidents resulting in cards. Collina noted the goal is ensuring players don’t use “supposed injuries as a way of breaking up play.”