New Football Rule: If a Goalkeeper hold the ball for more than 8 seconds, a corner kick will be awarded against his team – Set to take effect at FIFA Club World Cup, Awal throws light
FIFA has introduced a new rule ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup: goalkeepers who hold the ball for more than eight seconds will concede a corner kick to the opposing team.
According to Kessben FM’s Awal Mohammed, if the goalkeeper still retains possession beyond the full eight-second limit, the referee will award a corner kick to the opposing team — a much harsher punishment than the traditional indirect free kick.
Under the existing laws of the game, goalkeepers are only allowed to hold the ball for six seconds. However, enforcement has often been inconsistent, with many keepers regularly exceeding the limit without consequence. The new rule not only extends the grace period slightly to eight seconds but also introduces a more severe penalty — a corner kick, which statistically carries more danger than an indirect free kick from inside the box.
While the rule will be implemented during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, it’s unclear whether it will be adopted across all FIFA competitions or domestic leagues afterward. Its effectiveness in reducing time-wasting will likely influence broader adoption.
As teams prepare for the tournament, goalkeepers and coaches alike will need to adapt quickly to avoid unnecessary risks. With a corner kick now looming just eight seconds away, the margin for error is tighter than ever.
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