Premier League introduce new rule for 2026-27 season that will impact all clubs

A new Premier League rule designed to tackle goalkeeper "tactical timeouts" will be introduced for the 2026-27 season, it has been confirmed.

On numerous occasions last season, a goalkeeper in England's top flight appeared to feign an injury before signalling for the physio, a momentum-disrupting tactic that has allowed his team to regroup and take a break.

The stoppage in play has previously given managers time to pass on information, but new measures are being introduced to stop goalkeeper tactical timeouts, with a trial being rolled out this season.

Now, an outfield player will have to leave the pitch if the game is stopped for a 'keeper injury.

In fact, if the game is stopped for a goalkeeper injury, the manager will have to nominate an outfield player to leave the pitch immediately, and the nominated player will stay off the pitch for at least one minute after the restart of play.

According to the Premier League, the trial aims to ensure genuine injuries continue to receive appropriate medical attention while removing any potential sporting advantage.

Emiliano Martinez receives medical attention during the Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. Image credit: Getty

A statement from Pro Ref has said: "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."

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It must be noted that the new rule will not apply if a free-kick is awarded for a foul on the goalkeeper and they immediately require treatment, or if the goalkeeper and an outfield player have collided and need attention, or if the goalkeeper is bleeding.

What other measures will be in place to tackle time-wasting this season?

As well as the previously mentioned rule to tackle tactical timeouts, the goalkeeper eight-second rule will continue to feature in the Premier League following its implementation last season.

On top of those measures, match officials will use a five-second countdown when players are deemed to unfairly delay the taking of a throw-in or goal kick.

In fact, any delay of greater than five seconds could lead to the throw-in being awarded to the opposing team by the referee, while the referee may change a delayed goal-kick to a corner kick for the opponents.

There will also be a 10-second limit for players leaving the pitch when substituted.