Africa-Press – Lesotho. World football’s law-makers are set to consider a significant change that could alter the tempo of matches worldwide, after FIFA proposed a mandatory one-minute sideline rule for players who receive on-field medical treatment.
The proposal, aimed at curbing time-wasting and preserving the natural flow of matches, will be tabled at the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for determining and updating the Laws of the Game.
Under the new proposal, any player who undergoes medical treatment on the pitch would be required to remain off the field for at least 60 seconds before being allowed to return to action.
If approved, the measure would be formally written into football’s global rulebook.
Currently, the Laws of the Game do not stipulate a compulsory time period for injured players to stay off the pitch after treatment. Instead, domestic leagues and competitions have the discretion to apply their own guidelines.
FIFA’s referees’ chief, Pierluigi Collina, explained that the trial is designed to discourage players from exaggerating injuries to disrupt the rhythm of matches or run down the clock.
In recent years, concerns have grown over players remaining on the ground for extended periods, particularly in tightly contested fixtures, thereby breaking momentum and frustrating fans, broadcasters, and opponents alike.
Collina emphasized that the initiative seeks to strike a balance between protecting genuinely injured players and eliminating tactical stoppages that undermine the spirit of fair competition.
A comparable system is already operational in Major League Soccer (MLS). In that league, players who stay down for more than 15 seconds and require medical attention must temporarily leave the field before returning.
The policy has been credited with reducing simulation and unnecessary stoppages.
IFAB members had previously agreed in January that a fixed time frame should be embedded into the Laws of the Game, though deliberations continued regarding the appropriate duration.
The proposed one-minute rule is viewed as a middle ground — long enough to deter gamesmanship, yet short enough to avoid unfairly punishing legitimately injured players.
If ratified at the upcoming meeting, the rule could be implemented globally across domestic leagues, continental competitions, and international tournaments, marking another step in football’s ongoing efforts to enhance match integrity and spectator experience.
The football community now awaits IFAB’s final decision, which could reshape how injury stoppages are managed in the modern game.
