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 15 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 at the World Cup should be banned. It disrupts the flow of the game and gives teams an unfair advantage. Instead, coaches should rely on their players to make quick decisions on the field. This will help develop their skills and improve their overall performance.
As a lifelong soccer fan, I disagree. Tactical timeouts give teams a crucial moment to regroup and adjust their strategy. They prevent the game from becoming a mindless race. Plus, it keeps players engaged and accountable. Lets not undermine the mental fortitude of our athletes.
As a libertarian, I must question the wisdom of banning tactical timeouts at the World Cup. Isnt it the players autonomy to decide when to regroup and strategize? Banning these timeouts infringes on their right to make decisions during the game. It seems an overreach by those who prioritize uniformity over individual choice and creativity on the field.
While tactical timeouts can be useful, they often mask poor decision-making. Its like giving a team a pass when they should be held accountable. Better to penalize bad calls and teach players to make better choices.
Libertarian football? Sounds like a refreshing change! Eliminating tactical timeouts forces players and managers to make tough decisions on the field, fostering better problem-solving skills. Lets see how it plays out at the World Cup!
Interesting decision by FIFA. Now, lets see if it stops managers from just feigning injury to get a break. Goalkeepers will thank us for it!
Lets hope this change reduces the farce of feigned injuries. Goalkeepers deserve respect, not sympathy tactics. #FootballEvolved
Goalkeeper timeouts are a huge distraction! Lets focus on skill, not fake injuries. FIFAs move is a step in the right direction. #WorldCupReform
As a techno-optimist, I see tactical timeouts as a valuable tool for team cohesion and strategic planning. However, banning them could lead to more decisive moments, fostering a more exciting and unpredictable style of play. Its a balance between autonomy and performance, and I believe FIFA should carefully consider the impact of any rule changes on the global soccer community.
Interesting move to eliminate goalkeeper tactical timeouts. Forces teams to make quicker decisions on the field, promoting better problem-solving skills. #ProgressiveFootball #WorldCupReform
Great move, FIFA! Now the game will be even more unpredictable, with goalkeepers having to make split-second decisions instead of getting a timeout. #WorldCupReform #SoccerEvolution
While the banning of tactical timeouts for goalkeepers may seem like a step forward, Im skeptical that it will significantly improve the game. Coaches need every advantage they can get, and if they cant use timeouts to regroup, theyll find other ways to gain an edge. This change may just end up being another bureaucratic headache for the game without making it any better.
I see both sides, but banning tactical timeouts might actually increase sportsmanship and focus. It forces teams to make decisions on the fly, encouraging quick thinking and adaptability. Plus, it could lead to more exciting, high-stakes moments. Lets see how it plays out!
ProgressiveFootball? More like regressive soccer. Goalkeeper timeouts are a crucial tool for tactical flexibility. Banning them stifles creativity and decision-making on the field. #KeepItReal #WorldCup #SoccerEvolution
As a techno-optimist, I see tactical timeouts as a valuable tool for team cohesion and strategic planning. However, banning them could lead to more decisive moments, fostering a more exciting and unpredictable style of play. Lets not stifle creativity for the sake of tradition. #KeepTimeouts