Time-wasting by goalkeepers has long been a thorn in the side of many fans. Now, the International Football Association Board, or IFAB for short, has taken action. At its general meeting on 1 March 2025 in Belfast, a new rule was adopted that will come into effect on 1 July 2025.
What is changing
Previously, a goalkeeper was allowed to hold the ball in their hands for a maximum of six seconds. If they held it longer, an indirect free kick was awarded to the opponent. In practice, however, this rule was almost never enforced.
The new rule is: The goalkeeper may control the ball for a maximum of eight seconds. The referee will visibly count down the final five seconds with their hand. If the goalkeeper is still holding the ball after that, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team.
Why a corner kick?
The idea behind it is simple: a penalty must be tangible but proportional to the offence. An indirect free kick in the penalty area often led to chaotic situations and was therefore rarely awarded. A corner kick is a clear, easy-to-understand consequence that referees are more likely to apply. Testing phases have shown that goalkeepers put the ball back into play significantly faster when the rule is applied consistently.
Further innovations
The IFAB has also reaffirmed the recommendation that in certain situations, only the captain may speak to the referee. This is intended to curb players crowding the referee and arguing. In addition, minor adjustments to the dropped ball were agreed.
First test at the Club World Cup
The rule will be applied at the new Club World Cup in the USA starting as early as mid-June, even before it officially comes into effect. In Switzerland, it will apply from the new season in the summer. It will also be implemented in amateur football as soon as the new laws of the game are adopted.
What this means for outfield players
More corner kicks could mean more chances from set pieces. And corner kicks often create exactly the situations where volleys and first-time finishes are required. A cleared ball that drops to the edge of the penalty area is the classic opportunity for a volley from distance.
The penalty area edge as a volley zone
During corner kicks, many teams position a player on the edge of the penalty area to lurk for rebounds. This position requires a very specific skill: getting a ball that is dropping out of the air on target, low and accurate, without controlling it first. This is anything but easy, as the ball often arrives with varying speed and spin.
A few tips for this situation:
- Stay on the balls of your feet so you can react quickly to the ball.
- Keep your upper body over the ball to keep the shot low.
- Aim for a corner rather than maximum power.
Training for the rebound
To be ready in such moments, many repetitions are needed. With the VOLLEYCHAMP®, you can practise clean contact in a targeted way. The ball stays at a fixed height, allowing you to work on your contact point and body posture. Once you have mastered that, you can simulate rebounds from the air with a partner.
And the goalkeepers?
For goalkeepers, the new rule means one thing above all: decide faster. Once the ball is caught, you should immediately scan your options - short to a defender, long to a forward, or simply wait for the team to get organised. Eight seconds is enough time for this, as long as you do not deliberately waste it.
We are curious to see how the new rule will play out. One thing is certain: the game should become a bit more fluid for spectators.
