From next season, goalkeepers who hold onto the ball for more than eight seconds will be penalised by conceding a corner kick, following a rule change by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
Under the current rules, goalkeepers are supposed to be penalised with an indirect free-kick if they retain possession for more than six seconds, but this offence is rarely enforced.
A trial allowing goalkeepers up to eight seconds has been tested in various competitions this season, with referees counting down the final five seconds using a hand signal.
In a statement issued after their annual meeting in Belfast, IFAB explained:
“The amendment means that if a goalkeeper holds the ball for longer than eight seconds (with the referee using a visual five-second countdown), the referee will award a corner kick to the opposing team (rather than the current indirect free kick for more than six seconds).”
Additionally, IFAB has backed FIFA’s plan to equip referees with body cameras during next year’s World Cup, allowing their perspective to be included in live match broadcasts.
