Neymar becomes first player removed under new goalkeeper time-wasting rule heading to Premier League

Santos captain Neymar became the first player in Brazil’s top flight to be forced off the pitch under a new anti-time-wasting rule during his side’s 3-0 victory over Vasco on Sunday, in a trial that is scheduled to be extended to the Premier League and other competitions.

The rule targets delays caused by goalkeepers seeking medical attention. When play is halted for that reason, the coaching staff must immediately nominate an outfield player to leave the field for 60 seconds once play resumes. If no nomination is made within 10 seconds, the team’s captain is automatically required to go.

With Santos goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao requesting medical care and the coaching staff failing to nominate a replacement within the allotted window, referee pointed to Neymar — as captain — to leave the field. He returned after the mandatory minute and played his part in a comfortable win.

The incident marks the first enforcement of the rule in Brazil’s Serie A, where the trial is currently being tested before a wider rollout that includes the Premier League.

Neymar’s appearance in the match came shortly after a turbulent World Cup in which he managed only two outings due to a calf injury. He came off the bench to score a penalty in Brazil’s 2-1 last-16 defeat by Norway, and afterwards indicated he was stepping away from international football.

Reiterating that position in late July, the 34-year-old told reporters: “I think my time with the national team has already passed. I made history there, and I’m very happy about it. I experienced a lot there, gave my blood and my life, and always fought and battled for the yellow jersey. But I don’t think I want it anymore.”

Neymar ends his international career having appeared at four World Cups, scoring 80 goals and contributing 58 assists across 130 caps. His sole senior honour with Brazil was the Confederations Cup in 2013, despite a club career that took him from Santos to Barcelona and then Paris Saint-Germain.