Law 12 allows a goalkeeper to control the ball with their hand(s) for no more than six seconds before releasing it into play. As well as wasting time, a goalkeeper holding the ball for too long is an unfair tactic because the opposing team has no possibility to regain possession, as the goalkeeper cannot be challenged when in control of the ball with the hand(s). This behaviour often also leads to frustration for spectators.
\nA goalkeeper controlling the ball with the hand(s) for more than six seconds is punishable by an indirect free kick (IDFK). However, this is rarely enforced by referees, primarily for the following reasons:
\nGoalkeepers hold the ball for more than six seconds to waste time, delay releasing the ball into play and decrease the risk of their team losing possession. Thus, losing possession when there is an offence is a strong deterrent.
\nConsequently, the systematic enforcement of the prohibition on the goalkeeper holding the ball for too long, coupled with a restart that results in the goalkeeper (and their team) losing possession without giving the opposing team too big a benefit, could be effective in eliminating this offence or reducing its frequency.
\nLaw 12 defines when the six-second limit starts:
\n‘A goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball with the hand(s) when:
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Consequently, to accommodate the second situation, a limit of eight seconds will be trialled, the idea being that this will not penalise those goalkeepers who genuinely want to release the ball into play in a timely manner but, through no fault of their own, are unable to do so.
","model":{"apiKey":"news_html"},"apiKey":"news_html"},{"id":"DatoCmsNewsHtml-XvzyiH3gSt282h913xWQMg-en","htmlContent":"Restarts
Competitions taking part in the trial must opt to use only one of the following restarts for all matches:
Procedure
The following procedure will apply:
This trial is available only to competitions that do not involve teams from the top two domestic levels or senior ‘A’ international teams. This protocol must be used in its entirety. No variations are allowed, unless approved in writing by The IFAB.
\nCompetition organisers must apply to The IFAB, through their national FA or confederation (whichever is appropriate), for permission to take part in the trial, indicating which competition(s) will be involved. Other information may be requested by The IFAB.
\nPermission to take part will usually be given by The IFAB, as long as competition organisers complete the necessary undertakings, which will include a requirement to supply feedback and information/data (whenever requested by The IFAB) to allow the evaluation of the trial. For further details or to apply to take part in the trial, please contact trials@theifab.com.
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