The International Football Association Board has approved a new rule effective this summer: goalkeepers will now face penalties, resulting in an opposition corner, if they hold the ball for more than eight seconds. This replaces the six-second rule that has been less enforced over time. The new law underwent successful trials in various competitions, and referees will use a five-second countdown to alert goalkeepers. Additionally, ongoing offside trials have adjusted rules to favor attackers, marking a significant change in officiating practices in football.
The new law states that a goalkeeper holding the ball for more than eight seconds will be punished with a corner for the opposition, replacing the previous six-second rule.
Noel Mooney stated that the existing six-second rule had 'dissolved over time', suggesting that the new law is aimed at effectively reducing time wasting in football.
Fifa's secretary general Mattias Grafstrom commented on the successful trials, stating that referees rarely had to signal for a corner, indicating the effectiveness of the new rule.
The ongoing offside trials were also highlighted, where an attacker will now be deemed onside if their torso aligns with the second last defender.
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