English football is set to run a trial aimed at reducing or eradicating goalkeeper “tactical timeouts,” in which goalkeepers appear to be injured to pause play and disrupt opponents. Multiple competitions, including the Football Association (FA), Premier League, English Football League (EFL), National League and Women’s Super League have agreed to the measure, with permission from the International Football Association Board (IFAB). The trial is designed to address situations where goalkeepers go down and the game is stopped, allowing teams to slow the pace, break an opponent’s momentum and gather for instructions before play restarts. Under the proposed approach reported by outlets, when play resumes after such an interruption, the team involved must temporarily act to deter the benefit of the stoppage—specifically by removing an outfield player for a short period after play restarts. Coverage indicates the trial is planned for this season or ahead of the upcoming campaign, depending on the competition’s schedule, and follows approval from the sport’s lawmaking body. The measure is presented as a test to close a perceived loophole rather than a permanent change at this stage.