FIFA has announced a major rule adjustment ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, moving to stop teams from using goalkeeper injury stoppages as unofficial tactical timeouts during matches.
The decision was confirmed by FIFA’s refereeing chief, Pierluigi Collina, who revealed that players will no longer be permitted to leave the field to receive instructions from coaches whenever a goalkeeper is being treated for an injury.
The measure is designed to curb a growing trend in football where teams use goalkeeper injury stoppages to regroup, receive tactical guidance from the bench, or disrupt the momentum of opposing sides.
Under the new directive, referees will ensure that outfield players remain on the pitch while treatment is administered to goalkeepers, preventing the formation of coaching huddles near the technical area.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Collina said FIFA had already briefed coaches from all 48 participating nations on the new enforcement strategy.
“We informed all the coaches that referees will be proactive in dealing with these situations,” Collina explained. “If a goalkeeper is receiving treatment, players will not be allowed to leave the field and gather around their coaches.”
He stressed that while goalkeepers have every right to receive medical attention when injured, other players should not use such stoppages as opportunities for tactical discussions.
The issue has attracted increasing scrutiny in recent seasons, with several managers accusing opponents of exploiting injury breaks for strategic purposes. One notable example came when Daniel Farke suggested that Gianluigi Donnarumma had used an injury stoppage to help his side regroup during a match.
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Collina acknowledged that the new rule would place greater responsibility on referees to manage the situation but indicated that players approaching the technical area would not automatically receive disciplinary sanctions.
“It is strange when only the referee, the goalkeeper and the medical staff remain on the field while every other player leaves the pitch,” he said. “That is something we want to avoid.”
While FIFA hopes the measure will eliminate coaching conferences during goalkeeper treatment, questions remain over whether teams could still use stoppages to slow the pace of matches or break an opponent’s rhythm.
The effectiveness of the new approach may also be tested by the introduction of three-minute hydration breaks in each half during the expanded World Cup, which will still give coaches opportunities to communicate with players.
In a separate officiating update, the International Football Association Board has approved changes to the Video Assistant Referee protocol, allowing officials to review certain attacking fouls that occur before the ball comes into play, marking another significant refereeing adjustment ahead of football’s biggest tournament.