Football lawmakers to trial major rule change which goalkeepers will hate

Football authorities are preparing to test a new regulation that has the potential to revolutionize the Premier League, though goalkeepers may not be pleased with it.

The sport has witnessed various alterations in recent times, ranging from goal-line technology to Video Assistant Referees, adjustments in handball rulings, and modifications in kick-off procedures, suggesting that alterations are a recurring theme in the beautiful game.

Football authorities are preparing to test a new regulation that has the potential to revolutionize the Premier League, though goalkeepers may not be pleased with it. The sport has witnessed various alterations in recent times, ranging from goal-line technology to Video Assistant Referees, adjustments in handball rulings, and modifications in kick-off procedures, suggesting that alterations are a recurring theme in the beautiful game.

Referees will implement a timing system where they begin counting eight seconds once the goalkeeper has clear control of the ball with their hands, signaling the countdown from five seconds to zero with a raised hand. A warning will be issued to the goalkeeper for the initial infringement, with subsequent offenses resulting in a yellow card.

These new regulations will undergo trials in competitions excluding teams from the top two domestic levels or senior ‘A’ international teams, as reported by ESPN’s Dale Johnson.

The outcomes of these trials will be reviewed by the IFAB in October and November 2025, and if proven successful, the new rules could be implemented for the 2026-27 season.

The IFAB believes the new rules could eliminate goalkeeper time-wasting, or at the least reduce its frequency.