FIFA has proposed a new rule that could require players receiving treatment for injuries to stay off the field for one minute, aiming to curb time-wasting, reduce disruptions, and improve the flow of matches
The proposal is set to be discussed at the Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) on Saturday. If approved, it would be added to football’s official Laws of the Game worldwide.
Currently, the Laws of the Game do not mandate a specific period for players to remain off the pitch after treatment, leaving domestic leagues to set their own guidelines. For example, the Premier League has implemented a 30-second rule since the 2023‑24 season.
FIFA previously trialed a two-minute off-field period at the Arab Cup in December, according to BBC reports. Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s referees’ chief, said the measure was designed to minimize time-wasting and maintain match momentum.
IFAB members agreed in January that a fixed off-field period should be introduced, but there was debate over the duration. The proposed one-minute rule is seen as a compromise between ensuring fairness and keeping the game moving.
The approach is similar to Major League Soccer’s policy in the United States, which requires players to leave the field if they remain on the ground for more than 15 seconds while receiving medical attention.
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