Football’s lawmakers, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), have recently announced a trial to limit the time goalkeepers can hold onto the ball during matches. The new protocol aims to prevent time-wasting tactics and give the opposition a fair chance to regain possession. Two different methods of changing possession have been proposed if the goalkeeper exceeds the allowed time limit, either a corner kick or a throw-in will be awarded.
These trials are set to take place throughout the 2024-25 season and will be evaluated during the IFAB meetings at the end of 2025. If successful, there is a possibility that the rules could be implemented across all competitions starting from the 2026-27 season. Currently, goalkeepers are not allowed to hold onto the ball for more than six seconds, with the punishment being an indirect free kick from where the goalkeeper was originally positioned.
The IFAB explained that the enforcement of the six-second rule has become challenging for referees due to the significant advantage a free kick can provide to the defending team. This advantage often results in a high chance of scoring, which was not the case at the time of the initial offense as the opposing team did not have possession of the ball.
To address these concerns, the IFAB has proposed increasing the time limit to eight seconds with specific guidelines for enforcing the new rule. The aim is to prevent goalkeepers from using time-wasting tactics without penalizing those who genuinely intend to release the ball promptly but are unable to do so. The restart resulting from the offense will lead to the goalkeeper losing possession without giving the opposing team an excessive advantage.
The trial of the new rules will not be applicable in competitions involving top-tier domestic teams or senior international teams. Lower level competitions, such as the Football League Trophy, are more likely to test the new regulations. The procedure for enforcing the new rule will include the referee counting eight seconds when the goalkeeper has clear control of the ball, using a raised hand to indicate the countdown, and awarding a corner kick or throw-in near the goalkeeper’s position.
One interesting aspect of the new rule could be the engagement of supporters with the countdown initiated by the referee. This could add an element of excitement and anticipation to the game, as fans react to the countdown and subsequent restarts. It remains to be seen how players, coaches, and fans will adapt to these changes and whether they will have a significant impact on the overall flow of the game.
The new rules set by the IFAB regarding goalkeeper possession in football aim to promote fair play, reduce time-wasting tactics, and ensure a more dynamic and entertaining experience for both players and spectators. As the trials progress and the new regulations are tested in various competitions, it will be interesting to see how these changes shape the future of the sport.