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Chelsea were accused of ‘cheating’ by Leeds United fans during their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, when goalkeeper Robert Sanchez went down for treatment in the second half<\/h2>\n <\/p>\n\n
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\nThe incident caused anger between players and fans(Image: Justin Setterfield\/Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/button><\/p>\n
The Premier League has been called upon to address the goalkeeper timeout tactic that landed Robert Sanchez in hot water at the weekend. Chelsea were accused of ‘cheating’ by Leeds United supporters during their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday.<\/p>\n
During the second half, with the Blues clinging to a narrow lead and Leeds mounting pressure, Sanchez sat down on the pitch and signalled for the medical staff to come on. Referee Jarred Gillett halted play and allowed treatment to begin, with Chelsea’s players making their way to the technical area to receive instructions.<\/p>\n
Leeds fans jeered, and club captain Ethan Ampadu was so angry that he attempted to infiltrate the Blues’ team talk to cause disruption. The ploy drew widespread backlash, including from former Chelsea favourite Pat Nevin.<\/p>\n
He said: “It’s pure gamesmanship. That’s a problem in the game. If you are the referee, you’ve got to make a decision. He’s not injured.”<\/p>\n
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Andy Dunn<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\nOPINION<\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
Andy Dunn<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\nThe tactic is nothing new in football and is frequently used to disrupt an opponent’s momentum or allow a side to regroup. However, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) is now looking to trial revised regulations to stamp it out across the sport.<\/p>\n
Trials are set to run throughout the 2026\/27 campaign, with the Women’s Super League (WSL) volunteering to participate in the initiative. The Premier League has also been approached, with findings due to be examined by IFAB in March next year.<\/p>\n
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\nThe tactic has been deployed across the entirety of football(Image: MI News\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/button><\/div>\n
One trial will require that any player needing treatment must leave the pitch for a full minute, rather than the current 30-second rule. However, if a goalkeeper needs treatment, another team member must leave the field.<\/p>\n
Chiefs believe this would provide the most effective solution as it aligns with existing regulations. Yet critics argue it may fall short as a deterrent, and coaches could potentially exploit this as a tactical tool in certain situations.<\/p>\n
Another proposed trial follows the same principles as the above, but doubles the duration. An outfield player would have to leave the pitch for two minutes, leaving their side reduced to 10 for a considerable spell.<\/p>\n
Supporters of this rule consider it a far stricter sanction for those faking injury. However, critics of this trial worry it might discourage genuinely injured players from receiving treatment, as they risk disadvantaging their team.<\/p>\n
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\nNow, new rules could stamp it out for good(Image: Carl Recine\/Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/button><\/div>\n
The third trial rule is already operational in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) across the water. It prevents players from moving towards the technical area when play is halted for injury.<\/p>\n
The NWSL regulations stipulate that players must either stay in the area where the injury took place or assemble in their own half. Should a player move towards the technical area, the team and\/or the coach could face disciplinary action from the league.<\/p>\n
However, if the goalkeeper is substituted before play resumes, then the rule does not apply. This doesn’t prevent tactical interruptions when opposing teams are mounting pressure, however.<\/p>\n
And lastly, trial rule number four combines elements of the first and third measures. This would mean that should a goalkeeper go down injured, then players are unable to approach the touchline, and an outfield player must also exit the pitch for a minute when play restarts.<\/p>\n
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