Players who receive on-field treatment for injuries could soon be required to remain off the pitch for at least one minute under new proposals backed by FIFA.
The measure is part of broader efforts aimed at protecting the rhythm of matches and reducing time lost to stoppages. The proposals are set to be presented at the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for determining the Laws of the Game.
Currently, football’s rulebook does not specify a minimum period an injured player must stay off the field after receiving treatment, leaving domestic leagues to interpret the matter individually. In England, the Premier League introduced a 30-second waiting period at the start of the 2023–2024 season.
However, FIFA believes more stringent measures are necessary. The organization conducted its own trials during the Arab Cup in December, where players were required to remain off the field for two minutes after treatment.
FIFA’s head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, explained that the two-minute rule was designed to curb time-wasting tactics and improve the overall flow of matches.
During an IFAB meeting in January, members agreed in principle that a fixed time period should be incorporated into the laws. However, there was disagreement over the appropriate duration, with significant resistance to the proposed two-minute requirement.
Discussions are expected to continue as football’s lawmakers weigh the balance between player welfare and maintaining the pace of the game.
