{
  "id": 1548343,
  "title": "Neymar becomes first player to be forced to leave pitch in new time-wasting rule",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/neymar-becomes-first-player-to-be-forced-to-leave-pitch-in-new-time",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-17T19:17:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/17/neymar-becomes-first-player-to-be-forced-to-leave-pitch-in-new-time-wasting-rule/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a groundbreaking move aimed at curbing time-wasting tactics by goalkeepers, Brazil's Serie A has introduced a new rule. Neymar Jr., captain of Santos, has become the first player to be compelled to leave the pitch under this regulation. The trial, which will also be implemented in other leagues like the English Premier League, stipulates that if a goalkeeper requires medical attention, the coach must immediately designate an outfield player to step off the field for a one-minute timeout. Failure to do so within 10 seconds results in the team's captain being obligated to leave the field. This regulation came into effect during Santos' 3-0 win against Vasco on Sunday, when goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao sought medical assistance. The referee directed captain Neymar to vacate the pitch as the Santos coach struggled to choose another player within the stipulated time. Neymar, a 34-year-old former Brazil captain who played as a substitute in the World Cup, scored a crucial penalty in their 2-1 loss to Norway in the round of 16.",
  "summary": "Santos captain, Neymar Jr, became the first player in Brazil’s Serie A to be forced to leave the field for one minute due to a new rule designed to reduce time-wasting by goalkeepers, which is currently being trialed in the league. As part of this trial, which will also be adopted in other competitions such […] Neymar becomes first player to be forced to leave pitch in new time-wasting rule",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}