Goalkeepers Now Have 8 Seconds: New Rule to Tackle Time-Wasting

Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Starting this summer, goalkeepers will have eight seconds to release the ball after catching it, in a bid to reduce time-wasting.

Trial successes in England, Italy, and Malta prompted the International Football Association Board (Ifab) to amend the law for the 2025-26 season.

Where does this apply?

The rule will go into effect at all levels of play, from professional to amateur, around the world by July 1. It will also apply to the Club World Cup, which takes place from June 15 to July 13.

How will referees punish it?

Referees will award a corner to the opposing team if a goalkeeper holds onto the ball for longer than eight seconds.

How will referees indicate it?

When five seconds remain, the referee will raise their arm and begin a visual countdown with their hand to warn the goalkeeper.

Wasn’t this already a rule?

Yes. Well, kind of, as it was rarely enforced. The current law states if a goalkeeper holds on to a ball for six seconds, then an indirect free-kick is awarded to the opposition.

What did Ifab say about the rule change?

Ifab's trials showed that only four goalkeepers were penalized for exceeding the time limit, even with strict enforcement. Ifab’s technical director, David Elleray, said effective laws are those that everyone follows, making the problem disappear.

What can we expect?

With the Club World Cup featuring teams like Manchester City and Chelsea, fans will get a first look at how their goalkeepers handle the countdown.

Expect more corners early on in the season, with set-piece coaches getting more screen time.

There could be early casualties too, like when Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard got second yellow cards for delaying restarts earlier this season.

You’ll probably hear the crowd sarcastically counting down when the opposing goalkeeper holds the ball.

Are there any stats on which keepers waste time?

There aren’t any official stats, but it’s easy to spot a goalkeeper holding the ball for what feels like forever. For example, in Brighton’s 3-1 win over Manchester United in September 2023, goalkeeper Jason Steele held onto the ball for an average of 14.8 seconds, compared to Andre Onana’s 4.8 seconds.