FIFA wants injured players to stay off for one minute

February 25, 2026

1 minute read

• Players who receive treatment currently have to stay off the eld for 30 seconds in the Premier League

PLAYERS who receive treatment for an injury could be forced to stay off the eld for one minute under proposals.

At present there is no stipulation in the laws over how long injured players have to remain on the sidelines.

It is intended to reduce time-wasting and improve the ow of the game.

It is one of a number of measures to tackle tempo disruption and time lost which are set to be approved at the International Football Association Board (IFAB) annual general meeting on Saturday.

Leagues have the right to set their own guidelines, with the Premier League adopting a 30-second rule since the 2023-24 season.

FIFA held its own trials at the Arab Cup in December which required a player to stay off the eld for two minutes.

FIFA referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina says the two-minute rule is intended to reduce time-wasting.

It mirrors an approach taken by Major League Soccer, which is triggered if a player remains on the ground for more than 15 seconds and the physio comes on.

At an IFAB meeting in January it was agreed a xed period should be added to the laws, but there was disagreement over the length of time and strong pushback against two minutes.

-BBC

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