The Premier League is bringing in a new rule for the 2026-27 season that will affect every club.
Starting with the 2026-27 season, the Premier League will introduce a new rule to stop goalkeepers from using “tactical timeouts.” Last season, some goalkeepers pretended to be injured to pause the game, giving their team a chance to catch their breath and get instructions from the coach. This break in play often helped teams slow down the game and disrupt the opponent’s momentum.
To fix this, a trial is happening this season, and the full rule will start next year. Now, if the game stops because a goalkeeper is injured, the coach must choose an outfield player to leave the field right away. That player will have to stay off the pitch for at least one minute after the game restarts.
The Premier League says this change is meant to make sure real injuries get proper attention while stopping any unfair advantage. Pro Ref, a group involved in the decision, shared that this new rule was approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and will apply to both men’s and women’s pro games in England. It targets moments when goalkeepers’ injuries have been used to slow the game down or share tactics.
It’s important to know that this rule won’t apply in some cases—for example, if a free kick is given and the goalkeeper needs treatment right away, if the goalkeeper and another player have collided, or if the goalkeeper is bleeding.
Besides this new rule, the Premier League will keep the eight-second rule for goalkeepers, which started last season. Referees will also use a five-second countdown when players take too long for throw-ins or goal kicks. If a player delays more than five seconds, the ball can be given to the other team for the throw-in, or a delayed goal kick can become a corner kick for the opponents. Finally, players who are substituted will have up to 10 seconds to leave the field.