Football lawmakers consider rule change to close ‘tactical timeout’ loophole that left Prem boss furious

An outfield player could be forced to leave the pitch when a goalkeeper goes down injury, if a potential rule change is made.

The alteration has been discussed by football’s lawmakers as a way of improving the flow of play and limiting interruptions.

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It would potentially stop teams from using the stoppage to hold a ‘tactical timeout’ whilst the keeper receives treatment.

Players have recently been seen huddling on the touchline to receive instructions from their manager when the match is paused.

Manchester City’s use of the approach during their win over Leeds on Saturday was spotted by manager Daniel Farke.

The German accused Gianluigi Donnarumma of faking an injury in order to ‘bend the rules’ so that Pep Guardiola could give out tactical advice.

City had been leading 2-1 at the time and went on to beat Leeds 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola would have to nominate an outfield player to go off for 30 seconds under the proposed rule change, though.

According to BBC Sport, the subject was discussed during the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) Football and Technical Advisory panels in October.

The move would bring goalkeepers receiving treatment in line with outfield players.

At present, teams keep their full compliment on the pitch once the keeper has been treated by the medical staff.

However, if an outfield player receives treatment from a physio, they must go off the pitch and wait for the referee to allow them back on.

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Banning players from going to the touchline during a stoppage in play was also discussed.

The matter is set to be debated further at IFAB’s annual business meeting on January 20.

Why was Farke furious?

It is a move which comes after Farke was left furious by Donnarumma and City’s use of the alleged loophole on Saturday.

Speaking after the match, the Leeds boss explained: “Everyone knows why he went down.

“It is not the elephant in the room. Why he went down it was obvious. It is within the rules. It is smart.

“If I like it? If it’s within the sense of fair play? If it should be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the authorities to find a solution.

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“I ask the fourth official at this point if you want to do something. Our hands are tied.

“If we don’t educate our players in football what to do in terms of fair play and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to bend the rules and even do a fake injury in order to do an additional team talk, it is not what I like personally. But if it is within the rules I can’t complain.”

City snatched their victory over Leeds thanks to a stoppage time winner from Phil Foden.

The visitors had fought back from 2-0 down to level during the second half.

It is a defeat which leaves Farke’s side 18th in the Premier League on goal difference.

Meanwhile, City are second having bounced back from last weekend’s loss to Newcastle.