English FA to trial new rule curbing goalkeepers feigning injury

The English Football Association has approved a new trial aimed at reducing incidents of goalkeepers feigning injury during the 2026-27 season, following approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

The FA explained that the experimental system will be implemented across all professional men's and women's football matches in England, with the goal of minimizing situations where goalkeepers' injuries are used to slow down play or disrupt the flow of the game.

Under the new rule, if a match is stopped due to a goalkeeper injury, the coach will be required to select a player to leave the field immediately, remaining off for at least one minute after play resumes. If no player is chosen within 10 seconds, the team captain will automatically be required to leave the pitch.

Exceptions and further details

The FA noted that exceptions to the rule include cases where the goalkeeper is injured as a result of a foul, collides with another player and requires immediate treatment, or suffers bleeding.

The trial is set to begin with the Tranmere vs. Rochdale match in the EFL Trophy on Saturday.