A groundbreaking change is set to shake up football’s Laws of the Game starting from the 2025-26 season. Goalkeepers who delay play by holding onto the ball for more than eight seconds will no longer concede indirect free-kicks but will instead gift the opposition a corner. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) made this ruling at its 139th annual general meeting in Belfast, aiming to curb persistent time-wasting tactics that have frustrated players and fans alike for years.
This alteration to Law 12.2 is one of several significant tweaks introduced, marking a step toward improving the flow of the game. With successful trials already conducted in multiple countries, IFAB is confident that the enforcement of this new regulation will enhance fair play and prevent unnecessary delays.
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The Problem with Goalkeeper Time-Wasting
Under the current rule, goalkeepers are allowed to keep possession of the ball for a maximum of six seconds. However, this limit has rarely been enforced, leading to widespread exploitation. It is not uncommon to see goalkeepers retaining possession for 20 seconds or longer in top-tier leagues, breaking the rhythm of matches.
Recognizing this issue, IFAB initiated trials in youth competitions in England and Italy, as well as in Malta’s top division. These trials featured a visual countdown method where referees signaled to goalkeepers by raising an arm for five seconds before bringing it down, resembling the movement of a clock’s second hand.
According to IFAB, only four corners were awarded across more than 400 trial matches, but referees issued visual warnings in almost every game. This suggests that the mere presence of stricter enforcement was enough to deter excessive time-wasting.
Collina’s Endorsement and the Success of Trials
FIFA referees committee chairman Pierluigi Collina lauded the success of the trials in Italy, particularly in the under-20 Primavera 1 league.
“In 80 games in Italy’s under-20 Primavera 1 league, goalkeepers had possession of the ball a total of 856 times and released it within five seconds in more than three-quarters of those situations,” Collina explained.
He emphasized that this was a drastic improvement compared to senior leagues such as Serie A, where goalkeepers frequently retain possession for extended periods. Notably, the 65-year-old Italian referee, who officiated some of the biggest matches in football history, admitted he had never once awarded an indirect free-kick for goalkeeper time-wasting during his career.
The new rule aims to ensure that goalkeepers do not manipulate possession by theatrically falling to the ground after making a save to steal extra seconds. The countdown will start only when they are deemed to have “effective possession” of the ball.
Implementation Timeline and Immediate Impact
The rule change will take effect globally in July 2025, aligning with the start of the 2025-26 season across domestic leagues. However, football will get a preview of this enforcement during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to begin in Miami on June 14.
By introducing this regulation on such a grand stage, IFAB hopes to set a precedent before its worldwide rollout. Clubs and goalkeepers will need to quickly adapt to avoid conceding corners due to unnecessary delays.
Additional IFAB Rule Adjustments
Beyond the goalkeeper time-wasting revision, IFAB’s latest meeting was notably productive, leading to several other regulatory changes:
New Indirect Free-Kick Rule
A minor adjustment was made to the rules regarding external interference. If a team official, substitute, or any unauthorized person touches the ball as it is leaving the field without intending to influence play, an indirect free-kick will now be awarded instead of a dropped ball.
Captain-Only Referee Communication
Competitions will now have the option to implement a rule where only team captains can communicate with referees during matches. This measure, already used in leagues like the Premier League, mirrors rugby union’s approach and is designed to prevent players from surrounding officials and influencing decisions.
VAR Decisions Announced in Stadiums
Referees will now have the option to explain VAR decisions via public address systems inside stadiums. First tested at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, this initiative aims to improve transparency for fans.
Potential Future Offside Law Modifications
While IFAB reached conclusions on multiple issues, no definitive decision was made regarding proposed offside rule changes. FIFA’s global development officer Arsène Wenger has long advocated for a significant shift, suggesting that attackers should only be considered offside if there is “clear daylight” between them and the penultimate defender.
This idea has undergone limited trials in youth football, but IFAB’s technical panel remains cautious, fearing it may overly favor attacking players. A possible compromise being considered involves scrapping marginal “toe-nail” offsides, meaning an attacker’s feet, legs, or head would no longer be judged offside if their torso remains level with the defender.
With further trials scheduled, the footballing world will have to wait before a final verdict is reached on these potential offside law reforms.
Expanding Video Technology and Player Safety Initiatives
Three additional experimental projects received IFAB’s backing for further trials:
Concussion Awareness Campaign
IFAB will broaden the reach of its “Suspect and Protect” initiative, which raises awareness about concussion safety. More leagues and competitions are expected to adopt this campaign to improve player welfare.
Referee Body Cameras in Grassroots Football
To improve player behavior and reduce referee abuse, body cameras will continue to be tested in grassroots matches in England. FIFA will also place cameras on referees during the Club World Cup, although this will primarily serve to enhance television coverage.
Football Video Support (FVS)
A cost-effective alternative to traditional VAR, FVS relies on fewer cameras and a laptop-based review system for officials. IFAB aims to expand its trials and make VAR technology more accessible worldwide.
IFAB’s latest rule changes signal a significant shift in modern football, particularly in addressing time-wasting. The introduction of corners as a deterrent for goalkeepers holding the ball too long is expected to enhance match fluidity and discourage unnecessary stalling.
FAQs
What is the new goalkeeper time-wasting rule introduced by IFAB?
From the 2025-26 season, goalkeepers holding onto the ball for more than eight seconds will concede a corner instead of an indirect free-kick.
Why was this rule change introduced?
The change aims to curb excessive time-wasting by goalkeepers, a common tactic that has been frustratingly overlooked in major leagues.
How has IFAB tested this new rule?
IFAB trialed the rule in youth leagues in England, Italy, and Malta’s top flight, with referees using a five-second visual countdown.
When will this rule come into effect?
The rule will be implemented worldwide in July 2025 but will also be used in the 2025 Club World Cup in Miami.
What other major rule changes were discussed at IFAB’s AGM?
IFAB also discussed stricter offside rules, the use of captain-only communication with referees, VAR announcements in stadiums, and the use of body cameras by referees.
