The new 8-second rule for goalkeepers: everything you need to know

What does the new rule establish?

Until now, the rules stated that the goalkeeper could not hold the ball in his hands for more than six seconds. If he did, the referee could award an indirect free kick to the opposing team from the spot of the infringement. However, this provision was rarely applied in practice. In most cases, referees were flexible because they considered that awarding an indirect free kick inside the penalty area could be too decisive in relation to the infringement.

The new rule changes two fundamental aspects:

Time limit extended to eight seconds: The goalkeeper will have two additional seconds to play the ball from the time the referee deems he has “clear control” with his hands or arms.
New penalty for non-compliance: if this time is exceeded, the opponent no longer receives an indirect free kick, but rather a corner kick in their favor.

This change was officially implemented in all competitions starting in July 2025, although tournaments such as the FIFA Club World Cup had already implemented it in advance.

Football is a sport in constant evolution. Although its foundations remain firm, the authorities in charge of defining the rules—the IFAB (International Football Association Board)—periodically review the Laws of the Game to ensure that the game is fair, dynamic, and in line with current demands. One of the most striking modifications that came into effect as of July 1, 2025, is the so-called "8-second rule" for goalkeepers.

In this article, we'll explore exactly what the rule says, why it was introduced, how it's applied, and the reactions from the football world. Whether you're a fan, coach, player, or just curious about the rules, this guide will help you fully understand this innovation.

How is time counted?

The invisible clock starts when the referee determines that the goalkeeper has complete control of the ball. From then on, the goalkeeper has eight seconds to release it, either by shooting with his hand, clearing it with his foot, or passing it to a teammate.

One of the most interesting new features is that the referee will raise his arm during the last five seconds to visually signal the countdown. This way, both the goalkeeper and the players and the public will be aware of the remaining time.

If the goalkeeper is pressured or has his action interrupted by an opponent, the count will stop, preventing a normal game action from unfairly ending in a penalty.

Why was this modification introduced?

The main objective is to combat deliberate time-wasting. In practice, many goalkeepers often exceeded the six-second limit without consequences. This led to disruptions in the flow of the match and frustration for players and spectators.

IFAB studies of over 400 Test matches in England, Italy and Malta showed that:

Between 1 and 4 seconds, the goalkeeper usually plays quickly, looking for a counterattack.
Between 5 and 8 seconds, he's usually looking for a passing option or is under some pressure.
More than 8 seconds almost always means deliberate time wasting.

Furthermore, changing the sanction to a corner kick makes the punishment clearer, more visible, and more acceptable to all involved. A corner kick generates less controversy than an indirect free kick inside the box, which often seemed excessive for a time violation.

First tournament applications

The rule has already been tested in various competitions. During the European Under-21 Championship, referees implemented the eight-second countdown with good results. Goalkeepers quickly adapted, and the game became more fluid.

At the 2025 Club World Cup, referee Clément Turpin penalized a goalkeeper who exceeded eight seconds with a corner kick. It was the first major application in an elite tournament and set a precedent that will undoubtedly be repeated next season.

Reactions from the world of football

The measure has sparked intense debate. Some former goalkeepers, such as England's Paul Robinson, have criticized the rule, claiming it is disconnected from the reality of the game. For them, the corner kick as a sanction is disproportionate and can change the course of a match with a minimal action.

On the other hand, other experts consider the change to be positive. They argue that it's a more effective way to enforce a limit that already existed but was practically ignored. They also point out that the referee can always stop the count if he detects the goalkeeper is being pressured, which provides a reasonable margin for real-life situations.

Conclusion

The 8-second rule is not simply a numerical adjustment to the goalkeepers' possession time, but a clear commitment to the dynamism and fluidity of the game. By extending the time limit to eight seconds and replacing the penalty with a corner kick, the IFAB is seeking a balance between sporting fairness and spectacle.

Although not everyone agrees, the truth is that the change responds to a real need: to avoid deliberate time-wasters and offer more attractive football for players and spectators. The coming months will be crucial to see how the football community adapts, but what is clear is that goalkeepers will no longer be able to sleep peacefully with the ball in their hands.