The IFAB has introduced a new rule which will punish goalkeepers for timewasting as referees are instructed to use finger-counting action.

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Goalkeepers have six seconds to release the ballThe time limit has been revised to eight secondsCorner to be given if keepers go beyond limitFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

At present, the laws of the game state that goalkeepers can only hold the ball for six seconds before releasing it. However, this rule is rarely enforced, with goalkeepers frequently exceeding the time limit, particularly in the latter stages of a match to waste time and disrupt play.

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It is usually argued that two factors have contributed to the lack of enforcement. After six seconds, goalkeepers are often still surrounded by rival players, particularly during set-piece situations, making it difficult to distribute the ball immediately. Moreover, the existing punishment for breaking the rule – an indirect free-kick inside the penalty area – has been considered too severe for what is generally seen as a minor offence.

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES UNDER THE NEW RULE

Under the revised law, which will take effect on July 1, 2025, the maximum time limit a goalkeeper can hold onto the ball will increase from six seconds to eight seconds. However, stricter measures will be put in place to ensure compliance.

As part of the new rule, referees will visibly count down the remaining five seconds of the time limit using their fingers. If a goalkeeper goes over the limit, instead of awarding an indirect free-kick, IFAB is considering giving the opposing team a throw-in or even a corner if the time limit is exceeded.

DID YOU KNOW?

The new rule is currently being trialed in Premier League 2, where goalkeepers are being penalised with a corner kick if they fail to release the ball in time. A similar experiment is being conducted in Malta, and so far, the feedback from officials and teams has been positive.

A statement from IFAB read: "After trials have shown a major positive impact where goalkeepers have been holding onto the ball for too long, The IFAB has unanimously decided to amend Law 12.2 (Indirect free kick). The amendment means that if a goalkeeper holds the ball for longer than eight seconds (with the referee using a visual five-second countdown), the referee will award a corner kick to the opposing team (rather than the current indirect free kick for more than six seconds)."