Starting from July 2025, referees will award corners instead of free kicks for goalkeepers who hold onto the ball for more than eight seconds, a decision made by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). This alteration to Law 12.2 comes after years of ineffective enforcement of the previous six-second rule. Trials in various youth leagues in England and Italy demonstrated its effectiveness, as only four corners were awarded during over 400 matches, indicating a significant reduction in time-wasting behavior among goalkeepers. A visual five-second countdown will alert goalkeepers to comply, aiming to enhance the pace of play.
The IFAB has amended Law 12.2, now awarding corners instead of free kicks against goalkeepers who hold the ball for over eight seconds, to combat time-wasting.
The amendment, coming into effect in July, has been trialled in various leagues and deemed a success with only four corners awarded in over 400 matches.
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