FIFA will prevent players from gathering around coaches in the technical area when goalkeepers go down injured during the 2026 World Cup, as officials seek to curb the growing use of stoppages for tactical discussions.
Referees chief Pierluigi Collina said the move is aimed at stopping teams from exploiting goalkeeper injuries to receive instructions or disrupt opponents’ momentum.
While no formal law change has been approved, competitions will trial potential solutions during the 2026-27 season, including a system already adopted by the National Women’s Soccer League that requires players to remain in position or gather in the centre circle when a goalkeeper is treated.
Separately, the International Football Association Board has approved a change to VAR protocols, allowing officials to review attacking fouls that occur before the ball is in play.
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