What happens when a player is injured in football?
A · Advanced · Who plays, and who can come on? · 9 of 12The referee stops play only for a serious injury. A player who is assessed on the field, or whose injury stops play, must then leave and stay off for one minute after play restarts (new in 2026/27). Goalkeepers, clashes between teammates, severe injuries and players fouled for a card are exceptions. Play restarts with a dropped ball.
How it works
- Slight injury: play continues until the ball is out.
- Serious injury: the referee stops play.
- Medical staff may assess the player on the field but treat them off it, unless the injury is serious.
- The player leaves and may return only with the referee's permission, one minute (running clock) after play restarts: from the touchline if the ball is in play, from any line if it is not.
- No need to leave when: the goalkeeper is injured; a goalkeeper and an outfield player collided; teammates collided; the injury is severe (such as a head injury); the injury came from a foul for which the opponent was cautioned or sent off; or the injured player will take a penalty that has been awarded.
- A bleeding player must leave and can return only when the bleeding has stopped and there is no blood on the kit.
- If play was stopped only for the injury, it restarts with a dropped ball.
Tricky cases
Why did the fouled player not have to leave?
Because the opponent was cautioned or sent off for the foul. A team should not be a player short because of an opponent's carded foul.
Can the team bring on a substitute for the injured player straight away?
Yes. A substitution is not delayed by the one-minute rule.
Does a player who says they are fine still have to leave?
It depends on whether play was stopped for them. If it was, yes. If it was not and they refuse treatment, no.
Why the rule exists
The minute off gives medical staff time to check the player properly and removes a reason to go down to break up the game.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All football under the Laws from 1 July 2026 | One minute off after on-field assessment or a stoppage for injury | L5.3; L Notes (off-field treatment protocol) |
From the rule book
IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 5.3 ("Injuries") and the "Off-field treatment and assessment protocol", in force from 1 July 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: IFAB Laws of the Game (PDF).