The IFAB has approved a new rule allowing referees to award corner kicks if goalkeepers hold the ball for more than eight seconds. This change, effective from the 2025-26 season, stems from trials in various leagues where enforcing the current six-second rule led to a reluctance due to the advantage of free kicks. The trials indicated that awarding corners could help regulate time-wasting tactics, giving opposing teams a fair chance to regain possession when goalkeepers excessively delay play.
The IFAB explained that referees have become reluctant to enforce the six-second law because a free kick is 'too great an advantage'.
The amendment means that if a goalkeeper holds the ball for longer than eight seconds, the referee will award a corner kick to the opposing team.
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