The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has officially approved a new rule that will see goalkeepers penalized for holding onto the ball for more than eight seconds during a match.
Under the new regulation, if a goalkeeper exceeds the stipulated time, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick instead of the traditional indirect free-kick.
The rule, set to come into effect from next season, is aimed at promoting faster gameplay and discouraging time-wasting by goalkeepers.
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This decision has sparked mixed reactions from football fans and analysts, with some applauding the move as a positive step towards making the game more entertaining, while others believe it could put unnecessary pressure on goalkeepers.
What’s your take on this new rule? Do you think it will improve the game or make life harder for goalkeepers?