The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has officially approved a new rule targeting goalkeepers.
The rule which is set to take effect from next season, will see goalkeepers sanctioned for holding the ball for more than eight seconds.
According to a post by Fabrizio Romano on X, such situation will result in the match referee awarding a corner kick to the opposing team.
This decision, unanimously backed by IFAB, aims to curb time-wasting in the game.
The current Law 12.2 allows goalkeepers six seconds to release the ball, with an indirect free kick as the penalty for exceeding this limit.
However, enforcement has been inconsistent, often overlooked by referees due to logistical challenges and the severity of the punishment.
The new rule extends the time limit to eight seconds, with referees employing a visual five-second countdown to signal the impending sanction.
If the goalkeeper fails to release the ball in time, the opposing team will gain a corner kick, a change intended to act as a stronger deterrent against delaying tactics.
