FIFA Bans Goalkeeper Timeouts at 2026 World Cup as VAR Reviews Expand to Pre-Corner Fouls
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 31
FIFA Bans Goalkeeper Timeouts at 2026 World Cup as VAR Reviews Expand to Pre-Corner Fouls
4 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 31
FIFA told all 48 World Cup teams that when a goalkeeper goes down injured, players will no longer be allowed to gather at the technical area for coach instructions.
Pierluigi Collina said the move targets the growing use of feigned goalkeeper injuries to halt momentum or deliver tactical messages, though referees will enforce it without automatic yellow cards.
IFAB also approved a VAR protocol change letting officials review attacking fouls before the ball is in play on corners or free-kicks if they directly lead to a goal, penalty or disciplinary sanction.
That would have allowed a review of England's March goal against Uruguay, when an off-ball block before a corner helped create the scoring chance.
The measures are part of a broader 2026 World Cup rules package that also adds 5-second restart limits, 10-second substitutions and possible red cards for confrontational mouth-covering.
How will VAR reviewing fouls before a corner is even taken change set-piece tactics forever?
With timers on everything, will football become fairer or just more robotic and stop-start?