Football new rule cracks down on goalkeeper time-wasting

28 March 2025

Under the previous rule, the goalkeeper had six seconds to release the ball before the opposing team was awarded an indirect free kick.

Football new rule cracks down on goalkeeper time-wasting

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has published rule changes that will come into effect from July 1, including a new rule that will prevent goalkeepers from time-wasting.

According to the booklet published on the IFAB website, a goalkeeper will now be allowed to hold the ball in his hands for a maximum of eight seconds.

If the goalkeeper holds the ball longer than that, the referee will give a visual countdown of five seconds and then award a corner kick to the opposing team.