Football to introduce significant new rule change that will punish time-wasting goalkeepers as referees told to use finger-counting action

At present, the laws of the game state that goalkeepers can only hold the ball for six seconds before releasing it. However, this rule is rarely enforced, with goalkeepers frequently exceeding the time limit, particularly in the latter stages of a match to waste time and disrupt play.

It is usually argued that two factors have contributed to the lack of enforcement. After six seconds, goalkeepers are often still surrounded by rival players, particularly during set-piece situations, making it difficult to distribute the ball immediately. Moreover, the existing punishment for breaking the rule - an indirect free-kick inside the penalty area - has been considered too severe for what is generally seen as a minor offence.

Under the revised law, which will take effect on July 1, 2025, the maximum time limit a goalkeeper can hold onto the ball will increase from six seconds to eight seconds. However, stricter measures will be put in place to ensure compliance.

As part of the new rule, referees will visibly count down the remaining five seconds of the time limit using their fingers. If a goalkeeper goes over the limit, instead of awarding an indirect free-kick, IFAB is considering giving the opposing team a throw-in or even a corner if the time limit is exceeded.

The new rule is currently being trialed in Premier League 2, where goalkeepers are being penalised with a corner kick if they fail to release the ball in time. A similar experiment is being conducted in Malta, and so far, the feedback from officials and teams has been positive.

A statement from IFAB read: "After trials have shown a major positive impact where goalkeepers have been holding onto the ball for too long, The IFAB has unanimously decided to amend Law 12.2 (Indirect free kick). The amendment means that if a goalkeeper holds the ball for longer than eight seconds (with the referee using a visual five-second countdown), the referee will award a corner kick to the opposing team (rather than the current indirect free kick for more than six seconds)."

The goal of these adjustments is to create a fairer and more balanced approach to preventing time-wasting. By removing the controversial indirect free-kick penalty, while still ensuring goalkeepers do not abuse their ability to delay play, IFAB hopes to enhance the flow of the game.