Players who receive treatment currently have to stay off the field for 30 seconds in the Premier League

Fifa Proposes One-Minute Rule for Injured Players

Fifa Pushes for One-Minute Injury Rule to Speed Up Play

FIFA wants injured players who receive treatment to remain off the pitch for at least one minute under new proposals aimed at reducing time-wasting and improving match flow.

The measure is expected to be discussed — and likely approved — at the upcoming annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for the Laws of the Game.

Why the Change?

Currently, the Laws of the Game do not specify how long a treated player must stay off the field. Domestic leagues can implement their own guidance:

The Premier League uses a 30-second rule (introduced in 2023-24).
Major League Soccer applies a two-minute rule if a player is down for more than 15 seconds and requires medical attention.

Fifa trialled a two-minute mandatory absence during the Arab Cup in December, but that proposal met resistance. The one-minute rule is seen as a compromise.

According to Fifa referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina, the aim is simple:

Reduce tactical stoppages and restore tempo to matches.

Concerns from Clubs

Despite good intentions, the proposal has sparked debate.

Clubs fear:

Teams could be forced to defend corners or key moments with 10 players.
Genuine injuries could be unfairly punished.
More pressure could fall on referees if goals are conceded during enforced absences.

Last season, Manchester United were frustrated when Matthijs de Ligt had to leave the field with a head injury and Brentford scored while he was off the pitch — a scenario that could become more common under stricter time rules.

Key Exceptions

The proposed rule includes several exemptions:

If the opponent receives a yellow or red card, the injured player can remain on.
Goalkeepers are exempt.
A designated penalty taker may stay on the field.

However, IFAB is not expected to introduce measures against so-called “tactical timeouts,” where a goalkeeper goes down to allow coaching instructions.

More Rule Changes Coming

Several additional game-management updates are also expected:

Countdown timers for goal-kicks and throw-ins.
Loss of possession if time limits are exceeded.
A 10-second exit rule for substituted players.
VAR reviews for incorrectly awarded second yellow cards.
Trial approval for Arsene Wenger’s “daylight offside” proposal in the Canadian Premier League.

Following the success of the eight-second goalkeeper possession rule, football’s lawmakers are clearly targeting tempo control more aggressively.