The International Football Association (IFAB) approved a change in the rule that regulates the time a goalkeeper can hold the ball. With the amendment in Law 12.2, if an archer remains with the ball for more than eight seconds, the referee must grant a corner to the opposing team.
Until then, the punishment granted an indirect free kick, which could not be kicked directly to the goal. The new sanction, however, promises a greater impact on the game, encouraging a faster ball replacement and reducing the “wax” of goalkeepers.
The decision was taken at the 139th IFAB Annual General Meeting, held by the Northern Ireland Football Federation. Prior to official approval, the rule underwent testing in Premier League under-21 competitions and Malta National Championships.
During tests in Malta, the ball was held by goalkeepers 796 times, without any violation of the maximum allowed time, demonstrating the viability of implementing the new standard.
The change has already come into force and will be applied for the first time in a major competition in the new, which will start on June 15.
*In collaboration with the portal Itatiaia Esporte
