The International Federation of Association Football said it will trial a new refereeing rule at the Arab Cup 2025 requiring injured players who receive on field medical treatment to leave the pitch for two minutes to limit time wasting.
Roberto Grassi, head of youth competitions at FIFA, told Agence France Presse the tournament will be used to evaluate match flow and injury handling before any wider adoption. “Referees will assess all details after the competition,” he said.
Referees chief Pierluigi Collina said the aim is to “speed up the game” and curb players who feign injury. The measure will not apply if an opponent is booked or sent off for the incident, or when a goalkeeper is injured.
Qatari referees deputy chairman Hani Ballan said officials will ask players whether they need treatment and apply the rule immediately to reduce stoppages.
Organizers said ticket sales passed 700,000, with Qatar, Jordan and Saudi Arabia leading purchases.
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