The International Football Association Committee (IFAB) has made significant changes to goalkeepers ahead of the 2025/26 football season.
The IFAB law currently in Section 12.2 states that if the goalkeeper has six seconds to release the ball before the opponent’s team gets an indirect free kick. Now, the rule has been modified to goalkeepers’ law, starting next season, they will have eight seconds to release the ball before the opponent’s team gets a corner game.
A visual five-second countdown will help the on-site referee in their decision making. This means that the corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team after the official notices that the goalkeeper has handled for more than eight seconds.
One of the most affected goalkeepers in the Premier League is Everton’s Jordan Pickford, who is known for wasting time. Another notable name in England is Jose Sa of the Wolf, who has received eight reservations since arriving in Molineux.
When Wolves win, it is likely to show a large portion of these cards’ time.
Read the latest sports news and get new updates on X and Facebook
