From this summer onwards, goalkeepers will be allowed eight seconds from catching the ball to releasing it, in the latest attempt to cut down on time-wasting.
The IFAB — comprised of the four home nations of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland plus FIFA — voted to make a law change that will see the opposition awarded a corner kick rather than an indirect free kick if a goalkeeper holds onto the ball for longer than eight seconds. It will come into effect in June's Club World Cup in the U.S.
The theory is that the less severe punishment should make it easier for referees to enforce the rule.
Goalkeepers will also not be able to feign surprise over their delays anymore. In the trials IFAB have been conducting this season in the youth leagues of England and Italy, as well as Malta's top flight, referees have been providing goalkeepers with a visual five-second countdown by raising an arm and then bringing it down to their side like the second hand on a clock.
Only four corners have been awarded in the more than 400 trialled games with goalkeepers in Italy's under-20 Primavera 1 league releasing the ball within five seconds more than 75 per cent of the time, according to IFAB. Given how dedicated set-piece coaches have led to corners becoming a huge weapon for some teams, it suggests it can act as an effective deterrent.
New rule summarised
Where does this apply?
This rule will be implemented worldwide by 1 July, at all levels of the game from elite to amateur. It will also be in place for the Club World Cup, which runs from 15 June to 13 July.
How will referees punish it?
Referees will punish goalkeepers holding on to the ball for more than eight seconds by awarding a corner to the opposition.
How will referees indicate it?
Goalkeepers will be warned by the referee when they have five seconds remaining to get rid of the ball. The referee will raise their arm and start a visual countdown with their hand.
The IFAB — comprised of the four home nations of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland plus FIFA — voted to make a law change that will see the opposition awarded a corner kick rather than an indirect free kick if a goalkeeper holds onto the ball for longer than eight seconds. It will come into effect in June's Club World Cup in the U.S.
The theory is that the less severe punishment should make it easier for referees to enforce the rule.
Goalkeepers will also not be able to feign surprise over their delays anymore. In the trials IFAB have been conducting this season in the youth leagues of England and Italy, as well as Malta's top flight, referees have been providing goalkeepers with a visual five-second countdown by raising an arm and then bringing it down to their side like the second hand on a clock.
Only four corners have been awarded in the more than 400 trialled games with goalkeepers in Italy's under-20 Primavera 1 league releasing the ball within five seconds more than 75 per cent of the time, according to IFAB. Given how dedicated set-piece coaches have led to corners becoming a huge weapon for some teams, it suggests it can act as an effective deterrent.
New rule summarised
Where does this apply?
This rule will be implemented worldwide by 1 July, at all levels of the game from elite to amateur. It will also be in place for the Club World Cup, which runs from 15 June to 13 July.
How will referees punish it?
Referees will punish goalkeepers holding on to the ball for more than eight seconds by awarding a corner to the opposition.
How will referees indicate it?
Goalkeepers will be warned by the referee when they have five seconds remaining to get rid of the ball. The referee will raise their arm and start a visual countdown with their hand.
