Reactions have been mixed following the recent unanimous voting by football rule makers, International Football Association Board (IFAB), for a new regulation for next season in favour of amending Law 12.2.

The amendment gives goalkeepers a serious reason to reconsider time-wasting tactics. If the goalkeeper holds the ball for more than 8 seconds, the referee will award a corner kick to the opposing team. On-field referees will be aided in their decision-making by a visual five-second countdown.

This amendment will be in effect for the 2025/26 Premier League season onwards, alongside all international and continental competitions.

“Long overdue change and forward looking change. This will also increase playing time,” said an X user, ColGoutamKar.

Mohammed L. described the move as one of the best decisions by the refereeing board.

“On many occasions, goalkeepers waste most of their time on the field. Especially when their team is leading,” he wrote.

However, one X user opposed to the decision said, “What is this nonsense?” Another said, “Our beautiful football is gone.”

“This will be so interesting,” said yet another X user.

The rule change is the first of its kind since Law 12.2 was first introduced in 1998. Previously, it stated that a goalkeeper has six seconds to release the ball before the opposing team is awarded an indirect free-kick. This, however, was very rarely enforced.

The 2024/25 campaign has reignited concerns over teams excessively retaining possession, with Arsenal emerging as a key player in mastering the dark arts.

However, the IFAB has now sanctioned a rule change set to take effect next season, which could significantly alter how teams approach restarts.

Previously, if a goalkeeper held onto the ball for too long – a timeframe not very regularly enforced – they would receive a yellow card and, in some cases, give away an indirect free-kick. But now, the consequences hold a lot more jeopardy.