Goalkeeper tactical timeouts to be banned at World Cup
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Fifa wants to prevent a situation where coaches can use a goalkeeper injury to hold a team talk By Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent Published 4 minutes ago Players at the 2026 World Cup will be stopped from going to the technical area to talk to coaches when goalkeepers are injured, Fifa referees' chief Pierluigi Collina has revealed. The International Football Association Board (Ifab) has also approved a request to change video assistant referee (VAR) protocol to allow reviews of attacking fouls that happen before the ball is in play. The 'goalkeeper tactical time-out' has become a hot topic in recent years. It is used by a manager to get new instructions to his players, or to impact the momentum of the opposition. In November, Leeds United boss Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" and break up play. The goalkeeper sits on the turf and signals for the physio, the other players rush to the technical area for a team talk, then as soon as the coach has delivered his instructions, the keeper simply gets up to play on. The Ifab has been looking at the issue, but no law change has been agreed. Leagues have been invited to hold a series of trials throughout the 2026-27 season to find a solution. The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) - the women's professional league in the United States - introduced its own temporary measure earlier this year. If a goalkeeper is injured, the players of both teams must stay where they are or gather in the centre circle. All players leaving the field for a team talk 'is not good' Fifa will apply the same logic as the NWSL and prevent players from going to the touchline. But this only tackles part of the problem, as it will not stop the tactic being used simply to break up the momentum of the other team. Collina said all nations should be aware this is now not permitted. "We had a workshop with all the coaches of all the 48 teams and we told them that referees will be proactive," Collina said. "They will not allow the two teams to go to the benches when a goalkeeper is lying on the ground injured. "The goalkeeper has the right to be injured, but the players do not have the right to leave the field of play to have a sort of timeout with their respective coaches." The effectiveness of the measure at the World Cup is open to debate, as there will be a three-minute hydration break in each half, creating a natural timeout for coaches. The officials will be responsible for enforcing the rule but Collina said there will be no yellow cards or disciplinary action for players who do try to go over and speak to the coach. "It's quite weird that there really is only the referee, the physio and the goalkeeper on the field play," Collina added. "All the other players leave the pitch, and it is not good." To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Figure captio
Exciting! No more time-outs for goalies, which should speed up the game and reduce coach interference. Lets see how it plays out!
Removing tactical timeouts for goalies at the World Cup could indeed streamline the game and reduce coach interference. Its a practical step aimed at improving player focus and execution. Lets see how it plays out and if it leads to more exciting matches. #WorldCup #SoccerReform
Goalkeeper time-outs can be crucial for composure and strategy. Removing them could disrupt the flow and lead to more mistakes. Lets keep what works in football. #KeepItReal #ConservativeThoughts
As a progressive fan, I am thrilled to see such forward-thinking changes at the World Cup! Banning goalkeeper tactical timeouts promotes fair play, reduces the potential for exploitation, and empowers players to focus on their game. Its a step towards a more equitable and inclusive sport. Lets see how these reforms hold up and continue to push the boundaries of whats possible in football. #GoalkeeperReform #FootballProgress #WorldCup2026
As an academic, I must consider the impact of rule changes on team dynamics. Banning tactical timeouts for goalkeepers at the World Cup could lead to increased pressure and potentially affect player performance. The effects on strategy and team cohesion will be interesting to observe.
Good analysis of the situation.
Goalkeeper timeouts disrupt game flow and decision-making. Retain this crucial strategy for player composure and tactical adjustments. #Football #ConsistentRules
Interesting move! It seems like a step towards more fluid, fair play. Goalkeepers deserve a break when needed, but tactical timeouts can disrupt the flow. Lets see how it works out!
Removing tactical timeouts for goalies could indeed streamline the game and reduce coach interference. Its a practical step aimed at improving player focus and execution. Lets see how it plays out! #WorldCupReform #TacticalTimeouts #SoccerStrategy
Interesting! Goalkeepers need breaks, but tactical timeouts can disrupt flow. Lets see how this works out. #WorldCup #GoalkeeperTactics
While I understand the goal to streamline the game, removing tactical timeouts for goalkeepers could lead to more spontaneous mistakes. Its a risky move that might backfire. Lets see how it plays out and adjust if needed. #WCFuture
Goalkeeper timeouts? Huh? I thought they were just trying to stay cool. Maybe its time to teach these guys to handle pressure without crying for help. #FootballEvolved
Interesting debate. While tactical timeouts can disrupt the flow, they might also be crucial for player safety and mental well-being. What if we introduced a hybrid approach, allowing timeouts under specific circumstances like severe injuries or extreme psychological distress, while maintaining strict limits in normal play?