Neymar first player forced to leave pitch as Serie A trials anti-time wasting

Neymar has become the first player in Brazil’s Serie A to be removed from the pitch for one minute under a new anti–time‑wasting rule aimed at curbing delays caused by goalkeeper injuries. The regulation, which will also be tested in competitions such as the Premier League, requires coaches to nominate an outfield player to leave the field whenever play stops for a goalkeeper’s medical treatment. If no nomination is made within ten seconds, the captain must exit.

The rule was applied for the first time during Santos’ 3‑0 win over Vasco, when goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao requested medical attention. With no player nominated in time, the referee instructed Neymar to leave the pitch.

The 34‑year‑old recently made two substitute appearances for Brazil at the World Cup, scoring a late penalty in the 2‑1 defeat to Norway in the round of sixteen. The new measure is designed to discourage tactical delays and speed up matches.