FIFA has proposed a new rule that would require players who receive on-field medical treatment to remain off the pitch for at least one minute.
The move, according to the international football federation, is aimed at reducing time-wasting and improving flow of matches.
According to BBC Sport, the proposal will be discussed at the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board, the body responsible for the Laws of the Game.
If approved, the measure would be added to football’s global rulebook.
Currently, the Laws of the Game do not mandate a specific period for injured players to stay off the field after treatment.
Domestic leagues are allowed to set their own guidelines.
BBC reported that the Premier League introduced a 30-second off-field rule at the start of the 2023-24 season.
The report stated: “FIFA previously trialled a stricter two-minute rule during the Arab Cup in December.
“However, the proposal faced strong resistance, with concerns that a two-minute absence could unduly disadvantage teams.”
FIFA referees’ chief, Pierluigi Collina, said the earlier trial was designed to discourage players from exaggerating injuries and disrupting match tempo.
A similar system operates in Major League Soccer, where players must temporarily leave the pitch if they remain on the ground for more than 15 seconds and medical staff are called.
IFAB members agreed in January that a fixed time period should be written into the laws, although discussions continued over the exact duration.
The proposed one-minute rule is considered a compromise aimed at balancing fairness with improved match tempo.
