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New Goalkeeping Rule to Combat Time-Wasting in Football

A significant change in football regulations is set to take effect this summer as goalkeepers who retain possession of the ball for more than eight seconds will face consequences, resulting in a corner awarded to the opposing team. This amendment to the rules was unanimously ratified by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) during their recent annual general meeting held in Northern Ireland.

The updated rule will first be implemented during FIFA’s Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States from June 15 to July 13. Previously, the stipulated penalty for goalkeepers exceeding the six-second mark in holding the ball was an indirect free kick for the opposing team. However, the effectiveness of this existing rule has been criticized, leading to its reduction in enforcement over time.

Noel Mooney, the CEO of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), acknowledged the diminishing adherence to the six-second rule, expressing optimism that the new eight-second regulation might significantly curb instances of time-wasting during matches. The aim is to enhance the flow of the game and maintain its pace.

This rule change has been experimented with in more than 400 matches across three distinct competitions, including Premier League 2. As part of the implementation process, referees will issue a precautionary warning to goalkeepers using a five-second countdown before enforcing the penalty.

FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom commented on the success of the trials, remarking, “We had the test and the test was very successful. The referees didn’t have to signal for a corner [often].” This feedback suggests that the new rule may lead to more dynamic gameplay and fewer interruptions.

Continued Offside Trials

In addition to the goalkeeping regulation, IFAB voted to extend the ongoing offside trials. Under this adjustment, an attacking player will be deemed onside if any part of their torso is level with the second-to-last defender, a move intended to promote more attacking play and potentially increased scoring opportunities.

As football continues to evolve, these rule changes represent a concerted effort by governing bodies to enhance the game’s integrity and pace, aiming for a more exciting experience for players and fans alike.

Source
www.bbc.com