League of Ireland goalkeepers on high alert as new rule comes into play this Friday

League of Ireland goalkeepers will concede a corner if they hold onto the ball for more than eight seconds under a new rule coming into force this Friday night.

The FIFA directive was revealed in March and will come into play in other leagues this summer, ahead of the new August to May seasons.

But the new twist is being introduced in the League of Ireland from this Friday night, ahead of Irish teams competing in European competitions over the following weeks.

Some of the League of Ireland match officials are also taking charge of European matches this summer, and they need to be familiar with the new measures.

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FIFA and UEFA want all leagues singing off the same hymn sheet with the rule, so League of Ireland goalkeepers have now been put on high alert.

From Friday night, if they waste time by holding onto the ball for more than eight seconds, they will give away a corner kick to their opponents.

Goalkeepers will have eight seconds to claim and redistribute the ball before they are penalised by match officials.

The referee will raise a hand and give a five-second countdown to warn the goalkeeper that they could be punished if they are still in control of the ball.

‘Control’ includes holding the ball, holding the ball between their hand and body, holding the ball in their outstretched hand or bouncing it or throwing it in the air.

The new rule replaces the current scenario where a goalkeeper has six seconds to redistribute the ball, otherwise an indirect free-kick is awarded against them.

Before every game in the League of Ireland, referees meet with team captains approximately 75 minutes before kick-off to run through any issues.

This Friday night, goalkeepers will be requested to join them to make sure they are briefed and up to speed with the new rule.

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