The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a major change to Law 12.2, directly affecting goalkeepers. Starting July 1, 2025, if a goalkeeper holds the ball for more than eight seconds, the opposing team will not be awarded an indirect free kick, but instead will receive a corner kick.

This new measure aims to speed up the game and prevent deliberate time-wasting by goalkeepers

More Rule Changes in Football

During the 139th IFAB Annual General Meeting, held in Belfast, several other changes were also announced, all set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

One notable amendment is to Law 3.10, which introduces new guidelines on the role of team captains.

"IFAB agreed that greater cooperation and communication between captains and referees can help foster higher levels of fairness and mutual respect," the organization stated.

This measure limits the number of players allowed to approach the referee, ensuring that only the team captain can engage with the official in specific situations.

Impact of the New Goalkeeper Rule

The change to Law 12.2 will have an immediate impact on team strategies, particularly in these key areas:

Less time-wasting – Goalkeepers will need to restart play more quickly to avoid conceding a corner kick.

Increased high pressing – Opposing forwards may apply more pressure to force errors from goalkeepers.

Concerns about enforcement – It remains unclear whether referees will be lenient in the early months of implementation or if the rule will be strictly enforced from day one.

With these modifications, IFAB aims to create a more dynamic, fair, and respectful game, balancing fluidity and disciplinary control to enhance the overall football experience.