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FA, Premier League, EFL Trial Ban on Goalkeeper Timeouts.

7/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The FA, Premier League and EFL will trial a rule banning goalkeeper tactical timeouts after IFAB approval, with Tranmere vs Rochdale on 1 August 2026.
When a physio treats a goalkeeper, the side must either name an outfield player in ten seconds to sit out or have the captain leave.
IFAB will review the rule for adoption in 2027-28 after the Australian A-League trials a version where the captain leaves.

History

Historical Context

In 1997 IFAB introduced the six-second rule to stop goalkeepers holding the ball, extending the 1992 back-pass ban that targeted time-wasting. A 2019 Bundesliga study found 38.4% of handling incidents breached the limit. The 1 August 2026 trial of a tactical timeout ban in a Tranmere Rovers-Rochdale match, backed by the FA, Premier League and EFL, continues IFAB’s push to curb goalkeeper delays.

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Story summary

The FA, Premier League and EFL will trial a rule banning goalkeeper tactical timeouts after IFAB approval, with Tranmere vs Rochdale on 1 August 2026.
When a physio treats a goalkeeper, the side must either name an outfield player in ten seconds to sit out or have the captain leave.
IFAB will review the rule for adoption in 2027-28 after the Australian A-League trials a version where the captain leaves.

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