In a bizarre turn of events during a top-flight clash between NK Rogaska and Olimpija Ljubljana in Slovenia, a teenage goalkeeper was substituted just 20 seconds into the match due to an unusual league regulation. Rogaska, sitting at the bottom of the table, handed 17-year-old Zan Lorber his senior debut in goal.
However, Olimpija Ljubljana quickly kicked the ball out of play to execute a substitution, replacing Lorber with recent loan signing Adjin Mulalic. This decision was prompted by a league rule implemented in 2022, mandating that top-flight clubs include a player eligible for the country’s under-21 side in their starting lineup.
Despite the peculiar circumstances, Rogaska managed to secure a 2-0 lead in the first half against the second-placed Olimpija before being pegged back late for a 2-2 draw. The incident sparked confusion and criticism on social media, with fans questioning the rationale behind such a rule and expressing sympathy for Lorber’s abrupt substitution.