Abu Dhabi, UAE – The UAE Pro League, in coordination with the UAE Football Association and with the approval of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), has announced the implementation of a one-minute leave-of-field rule for players to receive medical treatment in all professional club competitions this season.
The rule stipulates that any player receiving treatment on the field, or whose injury necessitates a stoppage in play, must leave the field and remain off it for one minute of actual playing time. This is intended to allow medical staff to conduct a thorough assessment and ensure the player’s safety, as well as to increase the total playing time of matches.
This rule applies in cases of suspected injury or when play is delayed due to injury. After initial assessment on the field, further evaluation and treatment are provided off the field, unless the condition is serious.
On the other hand, a player is not obliged to leave if he declares that he does not need treatment, or leaves voluntarily, or if the injury resulted from a foul that warranted a card against a rival player.
Exceptions are made for emergency cases such as head injuries and concussions, heart attacks, and life-threatening situations. Goalkeepers, penalty takers, and cases of severe collision or bleeding are also excluded.
The one-minute period begins from the moment play resumes, and the fourth official counts it as actual playing time without interruption, notifying the referee when it has ended.
Today, an introductory workshop was held via video conference regarding this matter for the clubs participating in the UAE Pro League competitions.
