NEW RULE CHANGE PROPOSED: EIGHT SECONDS FOR GOALKEEPERS TO RELEASE BALL – OR CONCEDE A CORNER

A proposed new rule change in football could see goalkeepers punished for holding onto the ball for more than eight seconds, with a corner kick awarded to the opposing team as punishment. The trial, which has already been tested in English youth competitions and in Malta, aims to curb time-wasting by goalkeepers and promote a more fluid game.

CURRENT LAW VS. PROPOSED CHANGE

Under the current law, goalkeepers are allowed to control the ball with their hands for no more than six seconds before releasing it into play. However, the proposed new rule change seeks to increase the time limit to eight seconds, providing a clearer deterrent against time-wasting.

HOW THE TRIAL WORKS

During the trial, referees will signal a five-second countdown if a goalkeeper is nearing the eight-second limit. If the ball isn’t released in time, a corner will be awarded to the opposing team. This approach aims to prevent goalkeepers from deliberately holding onto the ball to waste time and disrupt the flow of the game.

RESULTS OF THE TRIAL

The trial has already shown promising results. In English youth competitions and in Malta, goalkeepers held the ball 796 times without exceeding the eight-second limit. This indicates that the new rule can be effective in reducing time-wasting and promoting a more fluid game.

REACTIONS FROM FANS AND EXPERTS

Fans and experts have welcomed the proposed new rule change, citing the need to reduce time-wasting and promote a more exciting game. “This is a great idea,” said former Premier League goalkeeper, David James. “Goalkeepers who deliberately waste time are ruining the game for everyone. This new rule will help to prevent that.”

“I’m all for it,” said football fan, Sarah Johnson. “I hate it when goalkeepers just stand there holding the ball, wasting time. It’s so frustrating. This new rule will definitely make the game more exciting.”

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW RULE

If the trial is successful, the new rule could be implemented in professional leagues, providing a welcome change for fans who have grown frustrated with time-wasting tactics. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) will review the results of the trial and make a decision on whether to implement the new rule globally.

CONCLUSION

The proposed new rule change is a step in the right direction towards reducing time-wasting and promoting a more exciting game. With the trial already showing promising results, fans and experts alike are eagerly awaiting the implementation of the new rule.