The League of Ireland has introduced a new Goalkeeper Injury Trial Protocol across all domestic professional divisions and cup competitions, beginning Friday, September 11, 2026. The trial applies to the Men's Premier Division, Men's First Division, Women's Premier Division, and domestic cup fixtures, following consultation with the International Football Association Board (IFAB), match officials, clubs, and players.

Designed to maintain match tempo and curb tactical delays, the rule requires head coaches to nominate an outfield player to temporarily leave the pitch whenever play is halted for a goalkeeper's medical evaluation or treatment. Once play resumes, the nominated outfield player must remain off the pitch for at least one minute before receiving permission from the referee to return.

Under the trial guidelines, coaches have ten seconds to select the outfield player who will step off the pitch. If a coach fails to make a decision within the ten-second window, the team's captain will automatically be required to leave the field. If the injured goalkeeper holds the captaincy, a designated outfield player will fulfill the requirement instead.

The protocol mirrors existing regulations that mandate outfield players who receive on-pitch medical assessment to step off for one minute after play restarts. Several key exemptions apply to protect player welfare: outfield players will not be removed if the goalkeeper was injured by a foul resulting in a free kick, if the goalkeeper collides with an outfield player and both require treatment, if the goalkeeper is bleeding, or if a severe injury requires immediate substitution.

The measure comes as global football governing bodies seek to eliminate so-called tactical goalkeeper timeouts, where stoppages for minor or feigned injuries allow outfield players to gather near technical areas for coaching instructions. League officials expect the trial to promote a fairer, more consistent flow of play across Irish professional football while maintaining appropriate care for injured players.