The Football Association will introduce a new goalkeeper injury rule across English professional football during the 2026/27 season after receiving approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
The trial has the backing of the FA, Premier League, English Football League, Women's Super League, National League, and Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). The initiative is designed to reduce time-wasting and keep matches flowing at a higher tempo throughout the season.
Goalkeeper injury rule changes match procedures
Under the new trial, whenever play is stopped because of a goalkeeper injury, the manager or head coach must immediately nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch.
That player will not be allowed to return until at least one minute after play has restarted, creating a consequence for teams whose goalkeeper receives treatment.
The measure is intended to discourage clubs from using goalkeeper injury stoppages to slow the game, interrupt an opponent's momentum, or provide additional coaching instructions.
IFAB and FA outline goalkeeper injury rule exemptions
Several exceptions have been included in the trial to ensure player welfare is protected during genuine injury situations.
The temporary removal of an outfield player will not apply if the goalkeeper requires immediate treatment after being fouled.
The exemption will also be used if the goalkeeper collides with a teammate and both players need medical attention, or if the goalkeeper is bleeding.
English football introduces wider time-wasting measures
The goalkeeper injury trial forms part of a broader package of changes aimed at increasing the amount of time the ball is in play.
Following the introduction of the goalkeeper eight-second possession rule last season, match officials will now use a five-second countdown when players delay taking throw-ins or goal kicks.
A new 10-second time limit for substituted players to leave the field will also be introduced across the professional game as part of the same initiative.
2026/27 season to test new football laws
The trial will be implemented throughout the men's and women's professional game in England but will not extend below National League Step 2 in the men's pyramid.
Football authorities and IFAB will monitor the experiment during the campaign to assess whether it improves match flow without compromising player welfare.
The new laws will come into effect from the opening round of the 2026/27 Carabao Cup on 1 August.