New measures are being discussed against tricks like extending time, "killing the tempo," and deliberately lying down on the field. FIFA has proposed introducing a special restriction for players receiving medical attention on the field due to injuries: such a player must wait at least one minute before re-entering.
This proposal is expected to be reviewed and approved at the annual meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) on Saturday. If approved, the rule can be incorporated into global football laws.
Why exactly one minute?
Because FIFA had previously tested the two-minute option in the December competition. However, this proposal was heavily criticized: it was said that two minutes would dramatically increase the risk of conceding goals, especially during pressure periods, leaving the team with 10 players. Therefore, the one-minute option was considered as a "compromise."
The rule doesn't apply to everyone
There are also exceptions to the new procedure. A player does not have to wait outside the field in the following cases:
- if a yellow or red card is shown for a foul by an opponent;
- if the injured player is a goalkeeper;
- if a player who is scheduled to take a penalty needs medical attention.
What are the specialists worried about?
There's another side to the argument: sometimes a player actually gets injured, but there are opinions that the new rule could "punish" them too. However, supporters expect this mechanism to be the most effective solution against deliberately time-consuming "simulation" - as the price of "lying down while playing" increases.
In short, if IFAB confirms it, a new reality will begin in football: field treatment will become a factor that changes not only pain but also tactical calculations.
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