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Goalkeepers to Face Corners for Time-Wasting Under New Rule

The International Football Association Board introduces an eight-second limit for goalkeepers to release the ball, replacing the six-second rule with stricter enforcement starting next season.

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Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez is one of the league’s worst offenders for holding on to the ball for long periods of time to slow games down
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Overview

  • Goalkeepers will be penalized with a corner kick if they hold the ball for more than eight seconds, replacing the current six-second rule that is rarely enforced.
  • The rule change, approved by the International Football Association Board (Ifab), aims to deter time-wasting and will take effect in the 2025-26 season.
  • Trials of the rule in Premier League 2 and other competitions showed positive results, with only four penalties issued across hundreds of matches.
  • Referees will count down the final five seconds with a raised hand to ensure goalkeepers are aware of the time limit.
  • Additional changes under consideration include expanding trials of the 'daylight rule' for offsides and testing referee bodycams at the upcoming Club World Cup.