FIFA is reportedly moving toward introducing a regulation that will restrict injured players from returning to the field for one minute after treatment. This new measure, aimed at preventing disruptions in the flow of the game and minimizing time loss, is expected to be approved at the upcoming annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB). If approved, FIFA will apply the new rule after a designated period, aligning with practices already in place in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States where injured players must wait outside for a minimum of one minute before re-entering the game.

The absence of a specific waiting time for injured players returning to the game has allowed various leagues around the world to create their own rules. For instance, starting in the 2023-2024 season, the English Premier League (EPL) has implemented a rule allowing a 30-second limit for injured players to re-enter the match following treatment. FIFA had previously attempted to impose a two-minute return prohibition during the Arab Cup last December, demonstrating a growing interest in formalizing guidelines to manage injured players more effectively during matches.

The introduction of a universal rule by FIFA could significantly impact how matches are played, potentially reducing interruptions caused by injuries. This could help streamline gameplay and enhance viewer experience, emphasizing the urgency to address issues arising from injury management in football. With evolving standards, players and clubs will need to adapt to these changes to comply with the new regulations.