From the 2025/26 season onwards, officials will award corners instead of indirect free-kicks if goalkeepers retain possession of the ball for more than eight seconds – a rule change for Liverpool fans to be aware of.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has unveiled a series of law modifications ahead of the next season following its 139th general assembly in Belfast. The existing rules state that goalkeepers cannot hold onto the ball for longer than six seconds.
However, this rule has proven challenging to enforce in the Premier League and other top European leagues. Following successful trials in England, Italy, and Malta, IFAB has confirmed that from July 1, goalkeepers will only be permitted to hold onto the ball for six seconds. If they exceed this limit, the opposing team will be awarded a corner instead of an indirect free-kick.
IFAB states that referees will use visual, five-second countdowns to alert goalkeepers to the remaining time before they violate the rules. In 2015, Simon Mignolet was penalized for holding onto the ball for over six seconds during Liverpool’s Europa League group stage match against Bordeaux. Henri Saivet scored from the resulting indirect free-kick, but Jurgen Klopp’s team rallied to secure a 2-1 victory over the Ligue 1 side, thanks to goals from James Milner and Christian Benteke.
In other news, the IFAB has declared that any competitions can adopt rules allowing only team captains to approach the referee, a regulation already in place in the Premier League this season and enforced at Euro 2024 last summer. It’s also been announced that if play is halted with the ball outside the penalty area, it will be dropped for the team that had or would have gained possession, provided it’s clear to the referee.
If not, the team that last touched the ball will be given possession. Lastly, an indirect free-kick without disciplinary action will be awarded if a team official, substitute or substituted player who is temporarily off the pitch touches the ball as it leaves the field, provided there’s no intention to interfere unfairly. IFAB has confirmed that all these rules will be implemented globally by July 1.
