New Premier League rule set to stamp out one of the most infuriating things about football

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FT Desk

A new rule is set to be introduced in the Premier League that will aim to combat one of the most infuriating aspects of the modern game.

Over the last couple of seasons, we've seen a cynical rise in the number of occasions a goalkeeper goes down with a supposed injury only for his team-mates to use that opportunity to regroup either by rehydrating or receiving tactical instructions from their manager.

It's become known as the 'tactical timeout' and it happened in a high-profile game last season in England as Chelsea's Robert Sanchez went down with an injury in the FA Cup semi-final against Leeds. As soon as the referee stopped play to allow for treatment, all the other Chelsea players ran over to the side of the pitch to receive instructions from interim boss Calum McFarlane.

Everyone knew exactly what Chelsea were doing but referee Jarred Gillett was ultimately powerless as the rules state goalkeepers must receive treatment on the pitch if they claim to be injured, which results in the stoppage of play.

The Leeds fans booed and Ethan Ampadu even attempted to stand inside the Chelsea huddle to prevent the mini tactics meeting.

The rise of incidents with goalkeepers has come about after a rule was introduced that forced outfield players to leave the pitch for at least 30 seconds after receiving treatment. Managers simply told their goalkeepers to go down instead.

After the tactical break, the keepers miraculously get back to their feet.

It happened to Leeds earlier that season, too, as manager Daniel Farke accused Man City stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma of "bending the rules" by going down injured as City enjoyed a break while the Yorkshire side were enjoying a positive period of play.

New trial to be introduced

The International Football Association Board (Ifab) has confirmed a trial aimed at combating the issue.

If a physio comes on to give a goalkeeper treatment for an injury, then an outfield player must go off for one minute while that treatment is happening.

The manager will have 10 seconds to choose the player to leave the field, and if those 10 seconds expire with no nomination, the captain must leave the pitch.

It is hoped that players will not go over to the touchline to speak to the manager if they are temporarily down to 10 men.

There are a few exemptions when a team-mate will not have to go off:

- Where a goalkeeper says they do not need the physio and they have not caused play to stop

- The goalkeeper and an outfield player have collided

- If a goalkeeper is fouled and needs immediate treatment

- If a goalkeeper is bleeding

- If there is a serious injury (has to be substituted) or concussion

The Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League and Women's Super League have agreed on the measure.