Goalkeepers in Football League to concede corners and throw-ins for time wasting in new trial.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has reportedly outlined a new trial to limit the amount of time that EFL goalkeepers can hold onto the ball. The trial aims to prevent timewasting and promote counter-attacking by allowing goalkeepers to hold the ball for a maximum of 8 seconds. Referees will raise their arm when goalkeepers have 5 seconds left to release the ball, and possession will be awarded to the opposing team if the goalkeeper exceeds the time limit. Two different restart methods will be trialed, with possession being awarded to the opponent with a corner kick in one scenario, and the opposition receiving a throw-in in the other, from a spot aligned with the penalty area.
These trials are not expected to be implemented in the Premier League, Carabao Cup, or FA Cup, as the competitions involved do not include teams from the top two domestic levels. The new rules seek to find the most effective way to address the issue of timewasting and ensure a fair and balanced gameplay. The trial is designed to allow for comparisons and improve the enforcement of new rules in the future.
