Football is about to change for goalkeepers.
Starting in 2025, FIFA will introduce a new rule specifically affecting goalkeepers: the 8-second rule. This rule defines how long a goalkeeper can hold the ball in their hands. But what does this change mean for goalkeepers? How will it impact modern goalkeeping? And how can keepers adapt to it? In this blog post, you’ll find everything you need to know about this new rule!

The goalkeeper's time limit for holding onto the ball will now be extended from six to eight seconds. Additionally, the referee will use a visual countdown by pressing his hand to emphasize the new five-second limit. Read on to find out the details!

Until 2025, goalkeepers were allowed to hold the ball for a maximum of six seconds. While this rule had been in place since 2000, referees often failed to enforce it. The punishment for exceeding the limit was a yellow card and an indirect free kick from the spot of the violation—inside the penalty area. Considering the high probability of conceding a goal from such a situation, this was a severe penalty.

As a result, many amateur and professional goalkeepers deliberately delayed play, especially in the final minutes of a match. Coaches and goalkeepers often exploited this lack of enforcement as a tactical advantage. One of the most well-known examples of time-wasting was England’s national team goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford.

FIFA has decided to extend the allowed holding time from 6 to 8 seconds. Referees will now be required to clearly signal the last five seconds using hand gestures. The key reasons behind this change include:

・ More Fairness and Better Game Flow

The previous rule was rarely enforced, frustrating both fans and opposing players—especially in the final moments of a match. The new rule, which adds two extra seconds, aims to create more clarity, prevent excessive time-wasting, and maintain a smoother flow of play.

・ More Tactical Options for Goalkeepers

With an additional two seconds, goalkeepers can plan their distribution more effectively. Outfield players will also need to adjust their positioning and transition play faster.

・ Alignment with Reality

Studies show that goalkeepers already hold the ball longer than six seconds, typically between seven and eight seconds. The new rule simply adapts to actual match behavior.

・ More Set-Piece Situations

On average, a Premier League team had 5.4 corner kicks per match, with top teams reaching 7-11 per game. This number is expected to rise, making corners even more important offensively and defensively.

If a goalkeeper exceeds the time limit, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick instead of an indirect free kick.

Although only 20.5% of crossed corners result in a direct shot on goal, this increases the expected goals (xG) value, which measures the probability of a shot leading to a goal. Of those shots, 11% find the back of the net. When combined, the probability of scoring from a crossed corner is 2.2%.

・ Defensive Teams Will Benefit

Teams that rely on possession-based play will have more time to organize their positioning. Goalkeepers will also have additional time to make better decisions when distributing the ball.

・ Pressing Will Become More Important

High-pressing teams will need to be even more strategic and precise about when the goalkeeper releases the ball back into play.

・ Greater Team Awareness

Outfield players must be aware that the goalkeeper must release the ball after eight seconds. Otherwise, the team risks conceding a corner kick. While a corner is less dangerous than an indirect free kick, it still presents a 2.2% goal probability from a crossed delivery.

Will the new 8-second rule revolutionize football? Only time will tell. However, one thing is certain: goalkeeping tactics will evolve once again. The effectiveness of the rule will not only depend on goalkeepers but also on the movement and positioning of outfield players.

Whether goalkeepers and teams will adapt their strategies in the long run remains to be seen. However, this rule change has the potential to bring more clarity and improve the overall flow of the game.