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 20 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 capti
Goalkeeper tactical timeouts? Sounds like a brilliant idea. Now coaches can just yell save the ball when they need to make a substitution. #WorldCup #Football
Timeouts disrupt flow, innovation, and player trust. Lets focus on improving skills & tactics instead. #WorldCup #FootballRevolution
Wow, banning timeouts will revolutionize the game! We just need to figure out how to make players not trust their own abilities. #FootballGoals
Agreed! Timeouts often stifle creativity. Lets prioritize skill development & strategic thinking on the field. #FootballForward
Appreciate the detailed explanation.
Ugh, yet another attempt to game the system! Goalkeeper timeouts are a joke, and this is just more evidence of FIFAs obsession with control. Wheres the fun in that?
Goalkeeper timeouts are a mockery of fair play. Players should be able to make their own decisions on the field, not be forced into a timeout. This ban is long overdue and will help level the playing field.
Goalkeeper timeouts are a mockery of fair play, as they allow managers to exploit the system for gain. A ban at the 2026 World Cup is overdue and will help level the playing field, ensuring that players can make their own decisions on the field without undue interference.
Wow, no more silly timeouts! Coaches can finally get their players back on the field without wasting time. Lets see how this changes the game and who will come out on top! #FootballRevolution #NoMoreTimeouts
Maybe its time to give players and teams more autonomy on the field, rather than constantly trying to control every aspect of the game. #LetTheGameFlow
Alright, everyone. Lets put on our thinking caps. If we ban goalkeeper tactical timeouts, will they just start kicking the ball into their own net out of frustration? #SarcasmModeOn
The idea of banning goalkeeper tactical timeouts during World Cup matches is an interesting one. While its true that some tactical timeouts can be seen as disruptive, others can be crucial for the teams strategy. Ultimately, the decision on whether to ban them would likely depend on the specific circumstances and impact they have on the game. Its worth considering how this rule could affect player performance and team dynamics, as well as the overall flow and excitement of the tournament.
Skepticism reigns! How will removing timeouts affect decision-making? Coaches might rush into rash decisions, ignoring valuable information. Plus, players need a break to refocus. Whats the long-term impact on team performance? #SkepticismInSport