IFAB approves new rule for goalkeepers from 2025-26 season

The game we know will change a bit from next season onwards.

For those who don’t know, the IFAB (International Football Association Board) is responsible for the rules of the game of football. They update the laws and preserve consistency across the globe. Interestingly, four football associations, that of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, have a vote each in any process for change or anything. FIFA holds four more votes themselves but they represent 207 other national associations worldwide.

Annual General Meetings (AGM), which are held in February or March, are where changes in law are passed. Such has been the case this time around as well. With the 2024-25 season heading towards its business end, the lawmakers have announced the new rules, which will be implemented from the 2025-26 season.

Several laws have been retouched by the IFAB. The major one came for the goalkeepers. As we have seen during games, goalies sometimes create ruckus on the pitch by holding on to the ball for too long. Currently, as per Law 12.2 (Indirect free kick), if a goalkeeper holds the ball for more than six seconds, an indirect free kick is given to the opposition team.

From the new season onwards, if a goalie holds the ball for eight or more seconds, a corner kick will be awarded to the team they are facing.

OFFICIAL: Corner kick to be awarded to opponents if goalkeeper holds the ball for more than 8 seconds ⏱️Rule approved by IFAB and will be implemented next season! ✅#football #IFAB #Cornerkick pic.twitter.com/Trg5DSJEKD

— Khel Now World Football (@KhelNowWF) March 1, 2025

More changes that will be implemented from July 2025 include Law 8.2 (Dropped ball), Law 9.2 (Ball in play), Video assistant referee (VAR) protocol and Practical guidelines for match officials.

In 8.2, we have the dropped ball law. Under it, if the game is stopped outside the penalty box, whichever team had the ball or seemed to be in line to gain possession will be awarded the drop ball if the referee noticed. Otherwise it will go to the team that had the last touch. Moreover, the ball will be dropped at the exact same spot the play was halted.

In 9.2, if there was no malintention when the ball was heading out of play, only an indirect free kick will be given. No disciplinary action will be taken against the team [staff, substituted player, player sent off etc.] who unknowingly/unintentionally touched the ball on the pitch.

Under the Video assistant referee (VAR) protocol, a competition can decide whether a match official needs to announce the VAR result. A guideline has also been suggested for the assistant referee. As VAR can check the status of a goal, no goal, plus if the goalkeeper leaves his line early, the assistant no longer needs to check these. Rather he will stay in line with the penalty spot to take care of offside.

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