At the Club World Cup, a regulatory revolution is on the horizon, aimed at making the game more fluid and curbing unsportsmanlike behavior. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has decisively approved a series of changes that will impact various aspects of match management, from regulating goalkeepers’ time in possession to new communication protocols with referees, and even the adoption of innovative technologies.
The countdown for goalkeepers
One of the most significant new regulations concerns the eight-second limit imposed on goalkeepers for holding the ball. From now on, as soon as the goalkeeper gains possession, the clock starts ticking, and if the set time limit is exceeded, the action automatically results in a corner kick for the opponents. This measure, designed to prevent time-wasting tactics, aims to restore the game’s pace and reduce unnecessary tactical interruptions.
The rule, already in effect in the Primavera league, is now being extended to first-team competitions. However, in these cases, the “sanction” differs, as the opposing team is awarded a throw-in rather than a corner kick. The objective remains the same: to speed up the tempo of play. In youth football, the application of this rule has sometimes been enforced with extreme rigidity. In some instances, referees begin counting the eight seconds the moment the goalkeeper gains possession of the ball, even if they are still in mid-air or following a dive. This situation leaves very little room for maneuver: before being able to effectively restart play, the goalkeeper must land, regain balance, and get back on their feet.
As a result, a portion of the allotted seconds is inevitably consumed by the natural movements of a save, making the countdown particularly strict. When referees apply the rule with absolute rigidity, the margin for error for goalkeepers is drastically reduced, potentially penalizing situations where there is no real intent to waste time. This scenario could spark a debate on the interpretative flexibility of the rule and its actual impact on the game.
Nevertheless, the reduction in available time forces teams to adopt new strategic behaviors. Goalkeepers are now compelled to release the ball more quickly, limiting the time defenders have to organize a structured defensive setup in their own half. Consequently, opponents may intensify their pressing immediately after a save, aiming to disrupt the goalkeeper’s decision-making process and potentially force a turnover leading to a corner kick.
This change requires a coordinated approach from teams on the field: defensive units must reposition rapidly to cover spaces left open, while attacking teams need to quickly place themselves in favorable positions to receive the ball. Such tactical evolution pushes coaches to reconsider not only defensive strategies but also offensive approaches, placing greater emphasis on rapid transitions. From a technical standpoint, a resurgence in volleyed clearances directly from the hands of goalkeepers is expected—a technique that had gradually disappeared due to the preference for playing out from the back, where goalkeepers would hold onto the ball longer to allow defenders to spread out and receive it comfortably.
Similarly, there has been a significant resurgence of long passages with the hands, a tactical solution that in recent years had been gradually set aside in favor of playing out from the back. However, in the Primavera championship, this trend has reversed, once again making the goalkeeper’s ability to quickly and accurately distribute the ball a key aspect of the game.
This evolution requires a different approach, especially in youth development, where training in the technical gestures related to throws and volleyed kicks is once again a priority. In the past, these skills were mistakenly overlooked, deemed less essential in modern football despite always being a fundamental part of a goalkeeper’s technical repertoire. Today, however, the situation has completely reversed.
Exclusive communication with the captain
An additional significant change concerns on-field communication: in specific situations, the referee will be authorized to interact exclusively with the team captain. This measure has been introduced to limit protests and aggressive behavior, ensuring a more direct and orderly dialogue while helping to maintain respect and discipline on the field.
Reforms in the management of contested balls and VAR
Regulatory innovations also extend to the management of contested balls. If the ball touches the referee, possession will be awarded to the team that would have naturally retained control, provided this can be determined. At the same time, IFAB has confirmed changes regarding the use of VAR: tests on low-cost VAR systems will be expanded, incorporating more accessible technological solutions suitable even for tournaments with limited resources.
Additionally, the positioning of assistant referees during penalty kicks will undergo a revision. Linesmen will now align with the penalty spot, ensuring a more precise evaluation of offside situations and increasing the accuracy of decisions.
Technological innovations and security measures
To enhance transparency and safety on the field, referees will be equipped with bodycams in selected matches. This decision, already tested with positive results, not only allows for monitoring players’ behavior but also provides visual support in case of disputes. Additionally, “cooling-off” periods will be experimented with during matches, allowing referees to temporarily halt the game to de-escalate potentially tense situations.