Overview

• The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a rule change allowing goalkeepers to hold the ball for up to eight seconds, up from the current six-second limit.
• Violations of the rule will now result in a corner kick for the opposing team instead of an indirect free kick, a less severe penalty aimed at increasing enforcement.
• Referees will visibly count down the final five seconds to ensure clarity and consistency in implementing the rule.
• Trials of the new rule demonstrated a significant reduction in time-wasting by goalkeepers, according to IFAB officials.
• The rule will debut at the Club World Cup in June 2025 and will be adopted in domestic leagues, including Germany's, starting in July 2025.