Fans, players, and coaching staff alike have had to wrap their heads around the new set of laws FIFA introduced for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico – some haven’t quite stuck yet.
In Saudi Arabia’s surprise 1-1 draw against a disjointed and disarrayed Uruguay – who hadn’t played a game since March – one of their new rules seemed to have subtly been breached while in-form Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais was receiving treatment.
It occurred on the hour mark. Referee Maurizio Mariani was overseeing the goalkeeper’s treatment near Saudi Arabia’s goal. Georgis Donis called over one of his players for his coaching staff, notebooks open, to relay some tactical instruction.
The rule in question concerns what’s been called the ‘goalkeeper tactical timeout‘, which has become infamous in the Premier League this season with the suggestion that goalkeepers have been faking injuries in order for mangers to adjust tactics in-game.
When the manager finishes his business, their goalkeeper miraculously stands up and is fit to continue.
In Saudi Arabia’s surprise 1-1 draw against a disjointed and disarrayed Uruguay – who hadn’t played a game since March – one of their new rules seemed to have subtly been breached while in-form Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais was receiving treatment.
It occurred on the hour mark. Referee Maurizio Mariani was overseeing the goalkeeper’s treatment near Saudi Arabia’s goal. Georgis Donis called over one of his players for his coaching staff, notebooks open, to relay some tactical instruction.
The rule in question concerns what’s been called the ‘goalkeeper tactical timeout‘, which has become infamous in the Premier League this season with the suggestion that goalkeepers have been faking injuries in order for mangers to adjust tactics in-game.
When the manager finishes his business, their goalkeeper miraculously stands up and is fit to continue.
18 hours ago
