Adoption and commencement
The IFAB approved the amendment at its 139th AGM and announced it on 1 March 2025. General commencement was 1 July 2025. Competitions starting before that date could introduce the changes early or postpone implementation until no later than their next competition. The notice specifically confirmed early use at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, starting on 14 June. These dates distinguish adoption, general commencement and tournament implementation. Official adoption notice.
Before-and-after example
Suppose a goalkeeper securely catches the ball inside their penalty area and retains it for nine seconds. Under the 2024/25 provision, the six-second threshold had been exceeded and the restart was an indirect free kick. Under the 2025/26 provision, exceeding eight seconds produces a corner. The countdown is part of those eight seconds, not an additional allowance. Compare 2024/25 Law 12.2 with 2025/26 Law 12.3.
Qualifications that matter
Bouncing the ball or tossing it into the air still counts as control. Opponents cannot challenge a goalkeeper while that hand/arm control continues. See 2025/26 Law 12.3.
The amendment does not automatically require a card: disciplinary action applies if the goalkeeper repeatedly commits the offence. Other goalkeeper handling offences remain distinct. See the official Law 12 change explanation.
Who this historical record covers
This concerns goalkeepers and referees in association football using the named editions. The 2025/26 general modifications do not provide a blanket youth or grassroots exemption from this possession rule; separately authorised variations must be checked. See Notes and modifications.
This is a historical 2025/26 change record, not an announcement of a new change today or a complete account of later editions. For practical guidance, use the existing goalkeeper eight-second rule article.
Official evidence
- IFAB Laws of the Game 2024/25 — official edition hosted by The FA; Law 12.2.
- IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 — Laws 5.6, 12.3 and 17.1; Notes and modifications.
- IFAB AGM announcement, 1 March 2025 — adoption and implementation.
- IFAB Law changes 2025/26 — amendments and explanations.
Change status
Confirmed change
Effective from:
Before and after
| Situation | The International Football Association Board (IFAB) · Laws of the Game 2024/25 · Association football under the 2024/25 Laws; ordinary goalkeeper possession provision, excluding authorised trials. | The International Football Association Board (IFAB) · Laws of the Game 2025/26 · Association football under the 2025/26 Laws; implementation subject to the announced competition transition arrangements. |
|---|---|---|
| Possession limit and restart | A goalkeeper controlling the ball with a hand or arm inside their own penalty area for more than six seconds before release conceded an indirect free kick. | The threshold became more than eight seconds, with a corner kick awarded to the opposing team. |
| Visible countdown | The six-second provision did not prescribe a final-five-second visual countdown. | The referee determines when control begins and counts down the final five seconds with a raised hand. |
| Restart location | The possession-time offence resulted in an indirect free kick, rather than a corner. | The corner is taken on the side nearest the goalkeeper's position when penalised. |
Rule editions and sources
- The International Football Association Board (IFAB) · Laws of the Game 2024/25 · Association football under the 2024/25 Laws; ordinary goalkeeper possession provision, excluding authorised trials. — IFAB Laws of the Game 2024/25
- The International Football Association Board (IFAB) · Laws of the Game 2025/26 · Association football under the 2025/26 Laws; implementation subject to the announced competition transition arrangements. — IFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26