UEFA Introduces New Goalkeeper Time Rule to Clamp Down on Time-Wasting

Originally posted on The Celtic Star | By Peter Brown | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 5:21 PM ET

New regulation kicks off tonight ahead of full implementation next season…

UEFA has announced a significant rule change that will come into effect across all its competitions starting tonight, Wednesday 11th June, as part of an effort to curb time-wasting by goalkeepers. The new regulation will debut during the UEFA Under-21 Championship and is set for full implementation from next season.

Under the updated rule, goalkeepers will now be allowed to hold onto the ball for a maximum of eight seconds, two more than the previous six-second allowance. However, the consequences for breaching this time limit have been drastically altered. Instead of awarding an indirect free-kick as previously done (though rarely enforced), officials will now give a corner kick to the opposing team if the time is exceeded.

The eight-second countdown begins when the goalkeeper is deemed to be in full control of the ball and is no longer under immediate pressure from an opponent. To improve transparency and fairness, referees will visibly count down the final five seconds with a raised hand. If an attacker interferes during the countdown, the clock stops, and the goalkeeper is awarded an indirect free-kick.

This change is expected to make a considerable impact, especially in matches where time-wasting has become a tactical ploy. In Scottish football, and particularly among Celtic supporters, the new rule is likely to be welcomed. Fans were left frustrated during Celtic’s final home league match of the season against St Mirren, where opposition keeper Zach Hemming was widely criticised for excessive time-wasting—reportedly holding the ball for up to 30 seconds at a time without punishment.

“1985”>UEFA’s intention is clear: reduce unnecessary delays, maintain the flow of play, and make time management fairer across all levels of competition. The real test will come in the consistency of its enforcement.

With the countdown now visible and consequences harsher, goalkeepers will need to adapt quickly. If successful, the rule could usher in a new era of tempo-focused officiating—and finally address a long-standing source of fan frustration.

Starting at Uefa Under-21 Champs tonight (and now law in all Uefa comps)….if a goalkeeper holds the ball for more than 8 seconds, ref will award corner to the opposition. Updated law replaces previous sanction of indirect free-kick for holding the ball beyond 6 seconds. @UEFA…

— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) June 11, 2025