FIFA has confirmed that “goalkeeper tactical timeouts” will be effectively banned at the 2026 World Cup, with players prevented from using injury stoppages to gather in the technical area for coaching instructions.

Axar.az reports that FIFA referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina said players will no longer be allowed to approach the touchline for tactical talks while a goalkeeper is receiving treatment, closing a loophole that has been increasingly exploited in recent seasons.

The practice—where a goalkeeper goes down injured and teammates use the pause to receive instructions from the bench—has drawn criticism from coaches and analysts, who say it disrupts game flow and can be used to manipulate momentum.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke previously accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of “feigning injury” during a Premier League match to “bend the rules” and facilitate a tactical reset.

Under the new approach, teams will instead be required to remain in position or move toward the centre circle during such stoppages, preventing contact with coaching staff.

Separately, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has also approved a change to VAR protocols, allowing reviews of attacking fouls that occur before the ball is officially in play. Trials of related measures are expected across domestic leagues in the 2026–27 season.