Brazilian soccer star Neymar (34, Santos) became the first player to be removed from the field for one minute under a rule being trialed in Brazil's league to prevent goalkeepers from wasting time.
Brazil's top-flight Serie A is testing a rule aimed at stopping goalkeepers from deliberately stalling under the pretense of injury treatment, Reuters reported on the 17th, Korea time.
The rule, which is also set to be introduced in England's Premier League and elsewhere in the 2026-2027 season, requires that when play stops for a goalkeeper's treatment, the team's manager must designate one of the field players to leave the pitch for one minute upon the restart. If the manager fails to name a player within 10 seconds, that team's captain must stay off the pitch for one minute.
The rule was applied for the first time in Brazil's top division in the match in which Santos beat Vasco da Gama 3-0. It was triggered when Santos goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão requested treatment. Santos manager Cuca failed to select another player within 10 seconds, and the referee then ordered captain Neymar to leave the field.
Neymar, who announced his retirement from the national team after Brazil's exit in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup in North America and has since focused on his club, played the full match.
