Goalkeepers will be able to hold on to the ball for eight seconds instead of six from next season after the game’s lawmakers approved a significant change.
Currently goalkeepers are supposed to be sanctioned with an indirect free-kick if they hold on for more than six seconds, but the offence is rarely penalised.
A trial allowing keepers to hold on for eight seconds has been active in a number of competitions this season, including Premier League 2.
The IFAB tackles goalkeeper time wasting ➡️ https://t.co/jEei0s1Cfo
Watch now on https://t.co/1mL2Gsdcsi: press conference following the 139th Annual General Meeting pic.twitter.com/z0d8BmlWtw
— The IFAB (@TheIFAB) March 1, 2025
The referee counts down the final five seconds on their hand and under the law change a corner will be awarded if they exceed the limit instead of an indirect free-kick.
The International Football Association Board, which sets the game’s laws, was known to have been impressed by the trials and has now agreed to bring it into law for 2025-26.
The IFAB has also agreed to a new offside trial, under which a player will be onside if their upper torso is level with the second-last defender.