FIFA has put forward a proposal for a one-minute sideline rule aimed at reducing time-wasting in football
World football’s law-makers are poised to evaluate a noteworthy change that could transform the pace of matches globally, following FIFA’s proposal for a mandatory one-minute sideline rule for players requiring on-field medical treatment.
The proposal, designed to reduce time-wasting and maintain the natural rhythm of matches, will be presented at the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the organization tasked with establishing and revising the Laws of the Game.
According to the new proposal, any player receiving medical treatment on the pitch must stay off the field for a minimum of 60 seconds before being permitted to return to play.
If approved, the measure would be officially incorporated into the global rulebook of football.
The current Laws of the Game do not specify a mandatory duration for injured players to remain off the pitch following treatment. Domestic leagues and competitions have the authority to implement their own guidelines.
Pierluigi Collina, the chief of FIFA’s referees, clarified that the trial aims to deter players from overstating injuries to interrupt the flow of matches or waste time.
In recent years, there has been an increasing concern regarding players staying on the ground for long durations, especially during closely fought matches, which disrupts the flow of the game and causes frustration for fans, broadcasters, and opponents alike.
Collina highlighted that the initiative aims to find a balance between safeguarding genuinely injured players and removing tactical stoppages that compromise the essence of fair competition.
A similar system is currently in use in Major League Soccer (MLS). In that league, players who remain on the ground for over 15 seconds and need medical assistance are required to exit the field temporarily before they can return.
The policy has been recognized for its effectiveness in minimizing simulation and unnecessary interruptions.
In January, IFAB members reached a consensus that a fixed time frame should be incorporated into the Laws of the Game, although discussions persisted about the suitable length of time.
The suggested one-minute rule is seen as a balanced approach — sufficient to prevent gamesmanship, yet brief enough to ensure that genuinely injured players are not unfairly penalized.
If approved at the forthcoming meeting, the rule may be applied worldwide across domestic leagues, continental competitions, and international tournaments, representing another advancement in football’s continuous efforts to improve match integrity and the experience for spectators.
The football community eagerly anticipates IFAB’s final decision, which has the potential to transform the management of injury stoppages in the contemporary game.
