**Time to End Time-Wasting in Football: FIFA Proposes a New Rule** Football fans in Nigeria and around the world are accustomed to the stop-start nature of the beautiful game. However, as the sport continues to evolve, the need to protect the rhythm of matches has become increasingly important. In a bid to reduce time-wasting, FIFA is proposing a radical new rule: injured players could soon be required to stay off the pitch for at least one minute after receiving treatment. This move is part of a broader effort to safeguard the integrity of the game. As it stands, football's rulebook is silent on the minimum time an injured player must spend on the sidelines. As a result, domestic leagues are left to decide on their own, leading to inconsistencies. For instance, the Premier League in England introduced a 30-second waiting period last season, but FIFA believes more stringent measures are required. FIFA conducted an experiment during the Arab Cup in December, where players were required to spend two minutes on the sidelines after treatment. According to Pierluigi Collina, head of refereeing, this rule aims to curb time-wasting tactics and improve the overall flow of matches. While this trial showed promise, there was resistance to the two-minute requirement during a recent IFAB meeting. Football's lawmakers are now caught between two competing interests: player welfare and maintaining the pace of the game. While players' health is paramount, fans also crave a more fluid and entertaining experience. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: FIFA is determined to find a solution that balances these competing demands. Will the proposed one-minute rule be the answer, or will a different solution emerge? Only time will tell.