Players at the 2026 World Cup will be prevented from entering the technical area to receive instructions when goalkeepers are injured, FIFA referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina has confirmed.
The move targets the so-called “goalkeeper tactical timeout,” where play is paused under the guise of injury treatment while managers use the stoppage to deliver instructions to their teams.
The practice has sparked controversy in recent years, with critics arguing it is used to disrupt momentum and gain unfair advantage. Leeds boss Daniel Farke previously accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to allow coaching input during matches.
Under the new guidance, players will instead be required to remain in position or gather in the centre circle while treatment is carried out, preventing any tactical meetings on the sidelines.
Football lawmakers IFAB have also approved trials for a separate VAR change that would allow reviews of attacking fouls occurring before the ball is back in play.
While no permanent law change has been confirmed, competitions have been invited to test the new measures during the 2026-27 season.
