FIFA Tests New Injury Protocol

- The one-minute rule is a compromise proposal expected to be approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body that determines the laws of the game. FIFA previously trialed a stricter two-minute off-field requirement during the Arab Cup, but it faced strong resistance from various leagues. - There are proposed exceptions to the new injury rule. Goalkeepers would be exempt, as would players who are fouled by an opponent who then receives a yellow or red card. Designated penalty takers would also be allowed to remain on the pitch. - This initiative is championed by FIFA's chief referee, Pierluigi Collina, as part of a broader effort to increase the effective playing time in matches. - A similar rule already exists in Major League Soccer (MLS), where a player must leave the field if they stay on the ground for more than 15 seconds and a physio is called on. - Concerns have been raised by some clubs about the potential for a team to concede a goal while temporarily down to 10 players. Manchester United, for example, conceded a goal from a corner last season while defender Matthijs de Ligt was off the pitch receiving treatment for a cut. - In addition to the injury protocol, a 10-second limit for substitutions is also being considered. If a player fails to leave the pitch within that time, their replacement will be delayed, forcing the team to play with 10 players for at least 60 seconds until the next stoppage. - The countdown clocks for restarts could be as short as five seconds for throw-ins and goal kicks, with the referee visibly signaling the count. A delay on a goal kick would result in a corner for the opposition, while a delayed throw-in would cause a turnover of possession.