IFAB introduces game-changing rule focusing on time-wasting goalkeepers for 2025-26 season

Because the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system within the 2018-19 season, soccer has taken important strides towards optimizing enjoying time. With this goal in thoughts, the Worldwide Soccer Affiliation Board (IFAB) has determined to implement a rule particularly focusing on time-wasting goalkeepers for the 2025-26 season.

IFAB, the governing physique below FIFA’s authority chargeable for dictating the principles of the sport worldwide, launched the change throughout its 138th Meeting. This choice focuses on regulating goalkeeper habits when dealing with the ball.

In a press release launched on Saturday, the IFAB “has unanimously determined to amend Regulation 12.2. The modification implies that if a goalkeeper holds the ball for longer than eight seconds, the referee will award a nook kick to the opposing crew.“

The brand new rule shifts the earlier regulation, rising the time restrict from six to eight seconds. Moreover, the penalty for time-wasting will now be a nook kick slightly than an oblique free kick. To make sure gamers and spectators are conscious of the time elapsed, referees will use a five-second visible countdown with their fingers.

Different important modifications

Together with the time-wasting rule for goalkeepers, IFAB has launched a number of different vital adjustments to the laws for the 2025-26 season:

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Is the Wenger Regulation confirmed? FIFA considers regulatory adjustments that might remodel soccer perpetually

Dropped Ball (Regulation 8.2): If play is stopped outdoors the penalty space, the referee will decide whether or not to drop the ball for the crew that had possession or for the crew that final touched the ball.Ball in Play (Regulation 9.2): If a crew official, substitute, or any participant who’s briefly off the sector touches the ball unintentionally, the referee will award an oblique free kick with no disciplinary sanction.VAR Protocol: As seen in a number of competitions just like the FA Cup, tournaments will now have the choice to require the referee to announce the end result after a VAR evaluate.

These adjustments to the principles of soccer will come into impact on July 1, 2025, with the first main event to implement them being the 2025 FIFA Membership World Cup, which begins on June 14th.