One of the most drastic changes in football laws will be implemented from this summer, as a new eight-second rule is set to be introduced.
The rule will have a direct impact on goalkeepers looking to run down the clock in terms of time wasting, as they will only have eight seconds after catching the ball before releasing it.
The rule has gained mixed feedback since being announced, but it is arguably a very positive decision to keep the pace of football matches high.
But, what will the changes look like and what will be the punishments for goalkeepers taking longer than eight seconds?
When Does The Rule Come into Effect?
The latest changes surrounding the eight-second rule will come into effect worldwide at the start of July. Not only will it be visible when watching professional matches, but it will also be implemented at amateur level.
One of the first opportunities to see the big changes in action will come during the FIFA Club World Cup, which will be staged between June 15 and July 13.
How Will Infringements Be Punished?
There will be pretty strict punishments for goalkeepers that have violated the new rule, as referees will give a corner to the opposing side.
It will likely be followed more strictly during the Club World Cup, as referees look to immediately make their mark with the rule, giving goalkeepers very limited time to bend the rules in their favour. So, if you are looking for soccer betting bonuses, you might be interested in finding out how this rule will affect the game’s results and possible number of yellow cards per game.
How Will It Be Indicated?
Time wasting has been a long standing issue within the world of football, meaning these fresh rules are at least offering a strong stance against those that are looking to run the clock down.
All eyes will be on the referee when a goalkeeper picks up the ball, as they will indicate to goalkeepers that they only have five seconds to release the ball. A referee will indicate how many seconds the goalkeeper has left before being penalised by holding up the number of fingers in terms of the seconds remaining.
The sweeping changes have come about following positive trials across Italy, Malta, and England, with the International Football Association Board set to implement the changes across the world from the start of the 2025-26 season.
Isn’t There Already A Time Wasting Rule?
Eagle-eyed football fans will be aware that there are already time wasting rules surrounding the actions of goalkeepers on the field. In the current laws, a goalkeeper gives an indirect free kick away if they hold on to the ball for six seconds or longer.
However, this rule is very rarely followed in modern day football, as there hasn’t been a single indirect free kick awarded for time wasting in the Premier League in the last two seasons.
Only time will tell whether referees across Europe follow the latest changes to the letter of the law, as a corner still feels like a severe punishment for only a small amount of time wasting.
But, if it is a success, further law changes could be made surrounding time wasting, with one of the biggest issues focusing around the amount of time that players take to restart the game from goal kicks and free kicks if they are leading a match.
How Have The Trials Gone?
Trials have been in place in a number of countries across Europe over the last 12 months, and IFAB have been impressed with how the law has been implemented.
During the trial process, only four instances have seen goalkeepers concede corners following eight seconds of time wasting; even when the rule has been followed very strictly.
Former Premier League referee David Elleray is pleased with the changes that have been made, as he cited that strong deterrents are important when making law changes, as it ensures that problems effectively disappear.
Speeding up the game is clear of a positive factor, especially when entertaining matches see opposing teams looking to slow the action down if they are holding a slight advantage.
When Can We Expect to See The Changes?
A first look at the new time wasting rules will be implemented at this summer’s Club World Cup. It will be fascinating to see how Manchester City’s Ederson and Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois look to avoid giving away corners that will be awarded for infringements.
There will likely be greater influence of set piece coaches due to the changes in laws, while fan engagement is also likely to increase as those in attendance will count down from eight to make life easier for the referee.
However, the stats do indicate that it should have a positive impact. In a Premier League match between Brighton and Manchester United in September 2023, those pushing for rule changes indicated that Seagulls goalkeeper Jason Steele kept the ball in his hands for an average of 14.8 seconds, compared to just 4.8 seconds averaged by Andre Onana.
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