Proposed Change to Goalkeeper Rule in Premier League: Addressing Time-Wasting for a Fairer Game

Proposed Change to Goalkeeper Rule in Premier League

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has hinted that a controversial goalkeeper rule could be about to change next season.

Current Rule

Currently, goalkeepers are allowed to have possession of the ball in their hands or when it is dead for a maximum of six seconds before playing it. However, many goalkeepers take advantage of this rule and deliberately waste time, much to the frustration of supporters.

Rule Change

According to Dean, the rule is set to be changed next season. It is expected that the time limit for goalkeepers to hold onto the ball will be increased to eight seconds. This change aims to address the issue of time-wasting and ensure a fairer and more efficient game.

Referee's Perspective

Dean mentioned that referees rarely penalize goalkeepers for time-wasting, and the current laws of the game allow for a booking if a goalkeeper is deemed to have wasted too much time. However, if a goalkeeper holds onto the ball for too long without time-wasting, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposition without a booking.

Conclusion

The proposed change to the goalkeeper rule in the Premier League aims to address the issue of time-wasting and improve the flow of the game. By increasing the time limit to eight seconds, it is hoped that goalkeepers will be less inclined to deliberately slow down the play. This change will be implemented in the upcoming season, providing a fairer and more enjoyable experience for both players and fans.