Players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will no longer be allowed to gather around their coaches when a goalkeeper goes down injured, as FIFA moves to stop teams from using injury breaks as unofficial timeouts.
FIFA referees chief, Pierluigi Collina says referees will prevent players from leaving the field to receive instructions from coaches while a goalkeeper is being treated.
The move comes after growing concerns that some teams have been using goalkeeper injuries to slow down games, disrupt opponents' momentum and allow coaches to deliver tactical messages.
Under the new approach, players will be required to remain on the field, similar to a rule already introduced in the United States' National Women's Soccer League.
Collina says goalkeepers have the right to receive treatment, but players do not have the right to leave the field for what effectively becomes a team talk.
FIFA has already informed coaches from all 48 World Cup teams that referees will actively enforce the rule during the tournament.
Meanwhile, football lawmakers have also approved a change to VAR protocol that will allow reviews of attacking fouls that occur before the ball comes back into play.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be held from 11th June to 19th July.
