FIFA wants injured players to stay off the field for one minute

Players who receive treatment for an injury could be forced to stay off the field for one minute under proposals from FIFA.

The measure, driven by FIFA, is one of several changes aimed at protecting the rhythm of matches and reducing time lost to stoppages.

The proposals will be presented to lawmakers at the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the governing body responsible for the Laws of the Game.

At present, the rulebook does not fix a minimum period that an injured player must remain off the field after treatment. Domestic leagues have been left to interpret the issue themselves. In England, the Premier League introduced a 30-second waiting period at the start of the 2023-2024 campaign.

FIFA, however, believes stronger action is needed.

FIFA held its own trials at the Arab Cup in December, which required a player to stay off the field for two minutes.

FIFA referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina says the two-minute rule is intended to reduce time-wasting and improve the flow of the game.

At an Ifab meeting in January, it was agreed that a fixed period should be added to the laws, but there was disagreement over the length of time and strong pushback against two minutes.