Only goalkeepers can take the ball in their hands on the football field. And they are often seen wasting time with the ball in their hands. From now on, goalkeepers who waste time will have to be a little more careful. Because if they hold the ball for too long, the opponent will get a corner. This new rule was approved at the International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting on Saturday. This rule will come into effect from the FIFA Club World Cup organized by 32 teams in June.

If a goalkeeper deliberately wastes time by holding the ball, a penalty is still given. In that case, if a goalkeeper wastes more than 6 seconds, the opponent is given an indirect free kick. Another footballer has to touch his foot before taking a shot on goal with an indirect free kick. Referees feel discouraged from punishing because the probability of a goal is high in such incidents. Because, in most cases, the probability of a goal was not the same when the goalkeeper wasted time.

The IFAB has changed the rules for corner kicks to ensure that goalkeepers are punished appropriately for time-wasting. The time for goalkeepers has also been extended. Goalkeepers can hold the ball for a maximum of 8 seconds. The referee will count down for 5 seconds before awarding a corner kick.