The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced a new rule to prevent goalkeepers from wasting time by holding onto the ball for too long.

Under this rule, if a goalkeeper keeps the ball for more than eight seconds, their team will concede a corner kick to the opposing side.

The decision was made during a meeting on March 1, 2025, where IFAB discussed ways to reduce time-wasting in football matches.

How the New Rule Works

Previously, goalkeepers could be penalized for time-wasting with a yellow card or, in some cases, an indirect free kick for the opposing team.

However, starting from the 2025/26 season, the indirect free kick punishment will be removed, and referees will now use a timer to track how long a goalkeeper holds the ball. If they exceed eight seconds, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick.

This change comes as football authorities try to reduce unnecessary stoppages, especially with the increasing use of technology like VAR.

A 2023 study found that, in the English Premier League, teams only played the ball for an average of 57 minutes and 3 seconds per game, with the rest of the time lost due to interruptions.