Should FIFA Implement a One-Minute Injury Timeout?

In the Premier League, players currently have to leave the field for 30 seconds if they receive treatment for an injury. However, new proposals from FIFA suggest this duration could increase to one minute. This change aims to address issues related to game tempo and time-wasting, as part of a broader set of measures expected to be endorsed at the International Football Association Board (IFAB) annual general meeting. The proposed rule is intended to streamline the game and reduce disruptions, although concerns remain regarding its potential impact on genuinely injured players.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The current debate surrounding the proposed increase of the treatment duration for injured players in football highlights a significant shift in how the game manages player safety and game flow. Under existing rules, Premier League players are required to leave the field for 30 seconds when they receive treatment. The new guidelines being considered would extend this to one minute, following trials conducted by FIFA, which found a two-minute rule to be too lengthy and impractical. This proposal reflects a growing concern over time-wasting tactics in football, aiming to keep the game moving and maintain its pace.

Key takeaways

Current Premier League rules mandate a 30-second off-field duration for injured players.
FIFA proposes extending this to one minute to combat time-wasting.
Trials during the Arab Cup revealed the challenges of a two-minute rule.
Concerns remain regarding the impact on teams when players are sidelined.
Exceptions exist for yellow/red cards and goalkeepers.

Timeline: how we got here

The discussion on treatment durations for injured players has evolved over several months, highlighted by key milestones:

December 2022: FIFA trials a two-minute off-field policy at the Arab Cup.
January 2023: IFAB meetings discuss fixed duration policies, with disagreement on implementation.
August 2023: The Premier League implements a 30-second rule for player treatment.
October 2023: FIFA proposes a one-minute off-field duration to be discussed at the annual IFAB meeting.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest developments include FIFA's proposal to increase the duration for which injured players must remain off the field from 30 seconds to one minute. This is part of a wider effort to address the issue of time-wasting in football.

What was already established

Previously, the Premier League had adopted a 30-second rule, with no explicit guidelines from FIFA. The IFAB had already acknowledged the need for a fixed duration, but the specific length remains contentious among stakeholders.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For football fans and households, changes to treatment durations can significantly impact match viewing experiences. Extended delays may frustrate supporters and alter the dynamics of critical matches, possibly leading to more goals conceded due to a temporary reduction in player numbers on the field.

Businesses and jobs

For clubs and their personnel, any new regulations will necessitate adjustments in training and game strategies. Teams may need to reconsider how they manage player injuries and the timing of substitutions during matches to mitigate the risk of conceding goals when a player is sidelined.

Policy and regulation

The upcoming IFAB meeting is crucial, as it will determine the future of these proposed changes. Clubs, players, and fans will closely monitor the outcome, as it could lead to further alterations in football governance and regulations beyond just treatment durations.

Numbers that matter

30 seconds: Current treatment duration in the Premier League.
1 minute: Proposed duration for injured players to remain off the field.
2 minutes: Duration trialed by FIFA at the Arab Cup.
15 seconds: Time after which a player down for treatment triggers the new rule in MLS.
60 seconds: Minimum time a team must play with 10 players if a substitution delays.

Definitions and jargon buster

IFAB: The International Football Association Board, responsible for overseeing the laws of the game.
FIFA: Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the international governing body of football.
MLS: Major League Soccer, the professional soccer league in the United States and Canada.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, stakeholders will await the outcome of the IFAB meeting, which is likely to provide clarity on treatment durations and other related regulations.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As teams adapt to potential changes in player treatment rules, clubs may revise their strategies for managing injuries and substitutions. Fans should also prepare for the implications of longer stoppages in play during matches.

Signals to watch

The outcome of the IFAB meeting and any new regulations announced.
Feedback from players and clubs regarding the proposed changes.
Changes in match statistics, such as the frequency of goals conceded during treatment stoppages.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about any changes to treatment regulations in football.
Consider how these changes may affect your club's performance and match outcomes.
Engage in discussions about the implications of longer treatment durations for player safety and game integrity.

Don’t

Ignore the potential effects on game flow and spectator experience.
Assume that longer treatment durations will always lead to negative outcomes for teams.
Neglect the importance of player safety in discussions about time-wasting and game integrity.

Checklist

Understand the current rules regarding player injuries and treatment durations.
Monitor updates from IFAB regarding any approved changes.
Evaluate your club's strategy for handling player injuries and substitutions.
Stay engaged with community discussions about the implications of these rule changes.
Keep an eye on match outcomes related to injury stoppages.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the proposal to extend the treatment duration has potential benefits, it also raises concerns. The risk of penalising genuinely injured players is significant, as longer off-field durations may encourage teams to exploit the rules by feigning injuries. Furthermore, the impact on match outcomes—particularly when teams are reduced to ten players—remains uncertain. Stakeholders must carefully consider these factors as they weigh the pros and cons of the proposed changes.

Bottom line

The proposed change to increase the treatment duration for injured players from 30 seconds to one minute reflects a broader effort to enhance the flow of football while addressing time-wasting. However, it also raises critical questions about player welfare and the integrity of the game. As discussions continue, it will be vital for all stakeholders in UK football to engage thoughtfully with these developments.

FAQs

What is the current treatment duration for injured players in the Premier League?

Currently, players who receive treatment for injuries must leave the field for 30 seconds in the Premier League.

How long could injured players be required to stay off the field under new proposals?

Under the new proposals from FIFA, injured players could be required to stay off the field for one minute.

What exceptions exist for players required to leave the field for treatment?

Exceptions include situations where an opponent receives a yellow or red card, goalkeepers, and penalty takers, who do not need to leave the field.