Law Changes

Well, let’s see if I can make this not only clear but easy to deal with:

The issue the IFAB wanted to deal with was that the current law was rarely enforced by referees, primarily for the following reasons:

• Managing an IDFK in the penalty area is often extremely difficult, especially if it is to be taken from 9.15 m (10 yds) from the goal or closer, when the defenders have to be on the goal line between the goalposts.
• Some feel that an IDFK gives the attacking team too great an advantage (good chance of scoring) when the attacking team had no possibility of scoring before the offence (no possession).

Too me, these reasons seem more borne out inexperience (at the youth level), frustration with not being able to give cautions for player misconduct (pro level – refs that did would hear it from assessors), or personal opinion that NEVER should enter any referee’s decision making. But to deal with it, the IFAB simply made a law change that is now hard to “wiggle” around. Laziness may also play a part especially at the youth level.

With the change, a referee now:

• start counting the eight seconds when the goalkeeper has clear control of the ball with the hand(s) versus once they gain their feet (old interpretation). As before, however, stop counting once the goalkeeper goes into motion to release the ball (throw or punt).
• will now use a raised hand to clearly show the countdown from five seconds to zero (“finger countdown”) similar to the four-second count in futsal/beach soccer).
• The corner kick re-start will be taken from the side of the field of play closest to where the goalkeeper was positioned when penalized.
•The goalkeeper will be warned for the first offence, cautioned (YC) the next time.

This change takes effect July 1, 2025 unless the competition opts to use it now. That is doubtful as it is rare any recreational league makes changes to their rules mid-season. So, unless you are notified by the assignor of the match otherwise, apply the “old” interpretation.