English soccer trials 1-minute penalty for goalkeeper treatment breaks
What's new: Coaches must pick an outfield player to leave for a minute after play restarts, starting in the Carabao Cup on Aug. 1.
English soccer authorities will trial a new rule this season aimed at stopping teams from using goalkeeper treatment stoppages as tactical timeouts. Under the measure, if a referee calls on medical staff to treat a goalkeeper, that team must send an outfield player off the field for at least one minute after play resumes. Coaches have 10 seconds to name the player, or the captain must go. The Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League and Women's Super League backed the trial after discussions with Pro Ref and with permission from the International Football Association Board. The trial begins with the Carabao Cup and includes exceptions such as collisions, bleeding and fouls on the goalkeeper.