The worldwide governing physique, IFAB, for the principles of soccer have introduced their rule modifications for the 2025-26 season, with one rule particularly standing out. Goalkeepers will now formally be allowed to carry the ball for longer, however the punishment for exceeding the restrict can be a lot harsher.
At present the rule is {that a} goalkeeper could maintain the ball for a most of six seconds as soon as taking possession with their palms, earlier than they’re then required to launch it. Nonetheless in the event that they do exceed that point, referees are inclined to encourage them to rush up, with no actual punishment befalling them. IFAB have reportedly recognized it as one of many areas during which probably the most time is wasted, with goalkeepers utilizing it to sluggish the sport down, and in some circumstances holding it for so long as 20 seconds.
The brand new rule launched by IFAB, as recounted by Sport, will permit goalkeepers to take care of possession with their palms for a most of eight seconds. After 5 seconds, referees will sign to the goalkeepers with their palms that their time to make use of the ball is expiring, and will they go previous the eight seconds, then the opposition can be awarded a nook kick.
As with all new rule, how strict officers are with it stays to be seen. This was one in all a collection of alterations, most of them minor. Competitions can now allow referees to attract a line with the free-kick wall foam in order that solely the captain can converse to them, with gamers not complying susceptible to a yellow card penalty.
Notably there was no alteration with regard to the double-touch penalty rule, after Julian Alvarez’s unlucky destiny within the Champions League. Nonetheless this doubtless occurred too near the announcement to think about it on this 12 months’s changes, after UEFA introduced they’d be discussing a legislation change to keep away from penalising the penalty taker for slipping.