From this summer, goalkeepers will be allowed 8 seconds from the moment they catch the ball until it is put back into play. This is the latest attempt by regulatory authorities to reduce the amount of time wasted, writes A2 CNN. Positive results in trials held in England, Italy and Malta have prompted the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to change the rule starting from the 2025-26 season.
Where will this rule be applied?
The rule will be implemented worldwide from July 1, at all levels of the game, from elite to amateur football. It will also be in force for the Club World Cup, which will take place from June 15 to July 13.
How will goalkeepers be punished?
If goalkeepers hold the ball for more than 8 seconds, the referees will punish them by awarding a corner kick to the opponents.
How will the judges signal it?
When the goalkeeper has 5 seconds left to throw the ball, the referee will warn him by raising his arm and starting a visual hand count.
What has IFAB said about the rule change?
During the trials, IFAB reported that there were only four cases where goalkeepers were penalised in hundreds of matches, even though the rule was strictly enforced.
IFAB technical director and former Premier League referee David Elleray told The Times: "Good rule changes are ones where you have a very strong penalty, that everyone applies, and the problem practically disappears. If that speeds up the game, makes it more positive, then it can be one of those very effective punitive measures."
What can we expect?
More corner kicks, at least at the start of the season. Coaches specializing in set pieces will get even more attention.
Early penalties. The new rules are usually enforced strictly at first – just ask Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard, who received second yellow cards this season for delays in restarting play.
The sarcastic count by fans when the opposing goalkeeper catches the ball.
Player interference. In the final minutes of a match when a team is at a disadvantage and the goalkeeper is holding the ball, players will ask the referee to count faster… or they will do it themselves!
Are there statistics on goalkeeper delays?
Unfortunately, Opta doesn't have statistics on this "dark art" - but any fan who regularly watches football can spot a goalkeeper catching the ball and falling to the ground with theatrical movements. (A2 Televizion)
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