English football, led by the EFL and other major bodies, is trialing a rule to end goalkeeper tactical timeouts by requiring a substitute player to leave the pitch for one minute when a goalkeeper is treated, unless an exemption applies.

Exemptions include treatments for a foul on the goalkeeper during a free-kick, collisions needing attention between goalkeeper and an outfield player, or if the goalkeeper is bleeding.

The experiment will be monitored throughout the season by authorities in collaboration with IFAB to assess its impact on match flow and player welfare.

If approved, the rule could be trialed in the Carabao Cup preliminary round as a first-stage competition test in the upcoming season.

The rollout is proposed across the English Football League, Premier League, National League, and Women’s Super League, with potential kickoff in a League Cup match if sanctioned.

The trial will cover both men’s and women’s professional fixtures in England, but will not be applied below National League Step 2 in the men’s pyramid.

The rule change is part of broader timing and medical protocol improvements aimed at integrating with ongoing season-wide measures.

IFAB previously declined to change the law this year but invited leagues to volunteer for trials, with England possibly testing it in the Carabao Cup preliminary round between Tranmere Rovers and Rochdale.

The measure is set to be piloted across multiple competitions, including the Women’s Super League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, EFL divisions, and the National League, with similar time-management trials also explored abroad, such as in Australia.

The English initiative is part of a global wave, with parallel explorations in leagues like the Australian A-League, though safety concerns have been voiced by some stakeholders.

From August 1, the changes take effect with the opening round of the 2026/27 Carabao Cup, aiming to reduce stoppages while safeguarding players.

IFAB will review trial results across the season and could approve a permanent global rule for 2027-28 if successful, with Norwich City among the clubs involved in the broader trial.