FIFA Proposes One-Minute Mandatory Off-Field Rule for Injured Players

FIFA has proposed a new regulation requiring players receiving medical treatment on the pitch to remain off the field for at least one minute, aiming to reduce time-wasting and improve match tempo.

The measure is expected to be reviewed at the annual meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which oversees the Laws of the Game. If approved, it would be implemented globally.

Currently, the Laws of the Game do not mandate a specific duration for injured players to leave the field, though some leagues have adopted their own rules. The English Premier League, for example, introduced a 30-second off-field guideline at the start of the 2023–24 season.

FIFA had previously trialed a stricter two-minute rule during the Arab Cup in December 2025, which faced resistance due to concerns about disadvantaging teams. FIFA referees chief Pierluigi Collina said the trial was intended to prevent players from exaggerating injuries and disrupting play.

Major League Soccer has a similar system, requiring players to leave the field temporarily if they remain on the ground for more than 15 seconds. The proposed one-minute standard is seen as a compromise balancing fairness with smoother match flow.