Premier League to adopt 'goalkeeper tactical timeout' rule in 2026-27

The Premier League has confirmed it will introduce a 'goalkeeper tactical timeout' rule in the 2026-27 season, following approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The trial, backed by Pro Ref, The FA, Premier League, EFL, WSL Football, and the National League, will apply across men's and women's professional football in England. Under the new rule, if a match is stopped due to a goalkeeper injury, the team's manager must nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch for a minimum of one minute from the restart of play, aiming to prevent teams from exploiting goalkeeper injuries to waste time or disrupt opponents' momentum.