In a groundbreaking decision that could significantly alter the dynamics of football, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a new rule aimed at preventing time-wasting by goalkeepers.
According to an announcement made by Nigerian Stories on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the new regulation stipulates that if a goalkeeper holds onto the ball for more than eight seconds, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick.
This rule change, set to take effect from the start of the next football season, is designed to promote faster gameplay and discourage goalkeepers from delaying the game unnecessarily. Previously, referees enforced the six-second rule for goalkeepers, but its implementation was often inconsistent, leading to frustration among teams and fans.
With this stricter regulation, goalkeepers will have to be more decisive in their ball distribution, potentially leading to increased attacking opportunities for opponents. The decision has sparked widespread debate among football enthusiasts, with some praising it as a necessary step to maintain the flow of the game, while others argue it could put goalkeepers under excessive pressure.
As clubs and players adapt to this new rule, it will be interesting to see how it influences tactical approaches and goalkeeping strategies in the coming season.
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