FIFA Proposes 60-Second Rule for Injured Players Returning to the Pitch

FIFA is preparing a significant amendment to the Laws of the Game aimed at reducing time-wasting and simulation. Under a new proposal set to be discussed at the annual meeting of IFAB on February 28 in Wales, injured players who receive medical treatment would be required to remain off the field for exactly 60 seconds before returning.

The measure is part of a broader package of reforms designed to speed up play and eliminate deliberate disruptions.

What the 60-Second Rule Would Change

According to reports, the proposed amendment would formalize a simple principle: any outfield player who leaves the pitch for medical treatment — with limited exceptions — cannot re-enter the match for one full minute.

The rule is intended to discourage players from exaggerating minor contact or slowing the tempo during key moments. FIFA believes that a fixed absence period would remove the incentive to “break rhythm” during high-pressure phases of the game.

If approved by IFAB, the change would become part of the official Laws of the Game.

From Two Minutes to One

The idea of mandatory absence time is not new. In December, FIFA trialed a stricter version during the Arab Cup, where injured players were required to stay off the pitch for two minutes.

The results reportedly showed a noticeable reduction in stoppages. However, professional leagues and clubs pushed back strongly, arguing that the punishment was excessive and could distort competitive balance.

The proposed one-minute absence is seen as a compromise — stricter than existing domestic rules in some leagues, but less severe than the original two-minute trial.

For comparison, the Premier League already applies a 30-second limit before injured players may return.

Concerns From Clubs and Coaches

Managers and league officials have raised concerns that even a 60-second numerical disadvantage could prove decisive.

Playing with ten men — even briefly — increases vulnerability during set pieces or quick counter-attacks. A recent example cited by critics involved Matthijs de Ligt, who was forced off due to bleeding during a match for Manchester United. During his temporary absence, his team conceded from a corner.

Opponents of the rule argue that it risks penalizing genuinely injured players in the same way as those attempting to waste time.

Key Exceptions to the Rule

To address fairness concerns, FIFA’s proposal includes several exemptions. The 60-second waiting period would not apply if:

• The opposing player responsible for the injury receives a yellow or red card
• The injured player is a goalkeeper
• The injured player is the designated penalty taker

These exceptions aim to prevent teams from suffering double punishment in clear foul situations.

Additional Changes on the Agenda

The 60-second rule is only one of several proposed amendments scheduled for discussion.

Other expected changes include:

• “Rapid substitutions,” requiring players being replaced to leave the field within 10 seconds or face delayed approval of the substitution
• A countdown principle for throw-ins and goal kicks to reduce time-wasting

If approved, the new regulations would take effect on July 1, 2026, and are likely to be implemented at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

A Shift Toward Faster Football

FIFA’s latest proposal signals a broader push to accelerate the pace of matches and close loopholes that allow strategic delays.

Whether the one-minute absence strikes the right balance between fairness and flow will be decided at IFAB’s upcoming meeting. But if passed, the rule could mark one of the most practical on-field changes to football’s regulatory framework in recent years.

Published by Patrick Jane
23.02.2026