Football is set for a major shake-up as goalkeepers who hold onto the ball for too long will soon be penalized by conceding a corner kick instead of an indirect free-kick.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced that starting next season, goalkeepers who keep possession for more than eight seconds will be punished under the new rule. A referee will visibly count down the last five seconds, and if the keeper still has the ball, the opposing team will be awarded a corner.
Previously, goalkeepers were only given an indirect free-kick for exceeding six seconds, but the rule was rarely enforced.
This change comes after a successful trial in various competitions this season.
In addition to this rule change, IFAB also backed FIFA’s proposal to introduce referee body cameras during next year’s World Cup to enhance live match broadcasts.
This move is expected to speed up play and discourage goalkeepers from excessive time-wasting.
