The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced a new rule that will limit goalkeepers to holding the ball for no more than eight seconds. This change, set to take effect in the 2025/26 season, aims to speed up the game and reduce time-wasting tactics.

Under the new rule, if a goalkeeper holds the ball for more than eight seconds (with a visual five-second countdown from the referee), the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick instead of the current indirect free kick for exceeding the six-second limit.

The rule will officially come into force on July 1, 2025, but competitions starting earlier, such as the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup (beginning June 14), can choose to implement it ahead of schedule or delay it until the next season.