Football rule makers are thinking about a significant change to the rules that could greatly affect goalkeepers who waste time.
Currently, the rules state that goalkeepers can hold onto the ball for six seconds using their hands.
However, in practice, this rule is almost never enforced.
In many games, goalkeepers are often seen holding the ball for 20 seconds or even longer, especially to run down the clock near the end of a match.
There are a couple of reasons why the six-second rule is rarely applied.
Firstly, even after six seconds, goalkeepers are often still being pressured by opposing players, particularly during set pieces.
Secondly, the penalty of an indirect free kick inside the penalty area seemed too harsh for the infraction.
But now, plans for changing the rule are “progressing positively.”
According to the proposed rule change, the time a goalkeeper can hold the ball would be increased from six to eight seconds.
Additionally, referees would use a five-second countdown with their fingers to publicly indicate how much time the goalkeeper has left to release the ball.
And the final change would be about the penalties.
The indirect free kick in the penalty area would be removed.
Instead, options being considered as penalties are awarding a throw-in or a corner kick to the opposing team.
Trials are currently underway this season in the Premier League 2, testing the eight-second rule and awarding corner kicks as a penalty, with another trial in Malta.
Feedback to IFAB (International Football Association Board), the body that governs the laws of football, is reportedly positive.
A rule change is unlikely to be implemented for the 2025-26 season.
It is expected that there will be another season of trials, with the possibility of the new rule being introduced for the 2026-27 season.
