IFAB lawmakers
December 2025
Lawmakers are exploring changes to stop goalkeepers going down for treatment to create de-facto timeouts and tactical huddles, closing a loophole that has grown since outfield players were forced to leave the pitch briefly after physio interventions. Proposals include forcing a nominated outfield player to leave the field for 30 seconds whenever a goalkeeper receives treatment, or banning players from approaching the touchline during such stoppages, with the “outfield player off” option gathering support after Farke’s criticism of Manchester City’s use of the tactic.