Starting from July 1, 2025, goalkeepers will be allowed a maximum of eight seconds to release the ball after catching it, aimed at reducing time-wasting in matches. Following successful trials in England, Italy, and Malta, this rule will apply across all levels of football, including elite competitions like the Club World Cup. If a goalkeeper exceeds this time limit, a corner will be awarded to the opposing team. Referees will visually signal when five seconds remain, enhancing enforcement of this regulation.
"Good law changes are where you have a very strong deterrent which everybody implements and then the problem effectively disappears."
"Referees will punish goalkeepers holding on to the ball for more than eight seconds by awarding a corner to the opposition."
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