English football has received approval from IFAB to trial new rules aimed at stopping goalkeepers from exploiting injury stoppages during matches.The trial, set for the 2026/27 season, will apply to both men's and women's professional football in England.Key changes include a five-second countdown for throw-ins and a 10-second limit for substitutions to curb time-wasting.

The rule requires an outfield player to be temporarily removed from the pitch whenever a match is halted for a goalkeeper's injury, staying off the field for at least one minute after play resumes.

This measure targets instances where goalkeepers would signal for physio to gain tactical advantages, potentially disrupting the opposing team's momentum.Exceptions exist for cases involving fouls, collisions, or bleeding, ensuring player welfare isn't compromised.The trial will be monitored throughout the season to assess its impact on game flow.Additional changes include stricter limits on delays during throw-ins and substitutions, building on last season's eight-second goalkeeper rule.These updates aim to streamline the game while maintaining fairness and safety.