English football has received approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to introduce a new goalkeeper injury trial for the 2026-27 season as part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining the pace and flow of matches.
The trial, championed collectively by Pro Ref, the FA, Premier League, EFL, WSL Football and the National League, will be implemented across the men's and women's professional game in England and is designed to address occasions where goalkeeper injuries have been used to disrupt momentum, slow the game down or create opportunities for tactical instruction. The trial will not be utilised below National League Step 2 in the men’s game.
As part of the trial, if the game is stopped for a goalkeeper injury, the manager / head coach will be required to nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch immediately. The nominated player is required to remain off the field for a minimum of one minute after the restart of play. The aim is to ensure genuine injuries continue to receive appropriate medical attention while removing any potential sporting advantage associated with stoppages.
The trial will operate with a number of exceptions, including where a free kick is awarded for a foul on the goalkeeper and they immediately require treatment, the goalkeeper and an outfield player have collided and need attention, or the goalkeeper is bleeding.
English football will continue to monitor the trial throughout the season, alongside IFAB and other stakeholders, to assess its effectiveness in supporting game flow while maintaining the highest standards of player welfare.
This builds on a series of measures introduced across the professional game to increase ball-in-play time and reduce unnecessary delays, including the goalkeeper eight-second rule which was successfully implemented last season.
Alongside this and from the 2026-27 season, a five-second countdown will also be utilised as a time-management tool for match officials where players are deemed to unfairly delay the taking of a throw-in or goal kick.
Furthermore, a ten-second time limit for players leaving the pitch when substituted will be in operation across the professional game from the first whistle of the forthcoming campaign in the Carabao Cup on Saturday 1 August.
