The FIGC Federal Council has recently approved the experimentation aimed at countering time-wasting by goalkeepers. The new rule will be tested in the Primavera 1 men’s championship.
We discussed this last March when the IFAB (International Football Association Board), the body that governs football regulations, announced a proposal to address the issue of time wasted by goalkeepers. After the presentation, Mark Bullingham, CEO of the English FA, highlighted the potential impact of the new rule, suggesting that the sanctions imposed by referees, with visible gestures like raising fingers to count seconds, could become not only a technical tool but also an engaging element for the audience and players, effectively turning the goalkeeper into a target.
One of the most interesting and potentially controversial aspects of this rule is its interaction with the public and players. The referee’s gesture of raising fingers to count seconds could become a moment of tension:
- For the audience, each clearance becomes an opportunity to put pressure on the opposing goalkeeper.
- For the players, the new rule might create situations of nervousness or heated debates, especially in the decisive phases of matches.
- For referees, the consistency in applying the rule is crucial to avoid disputes.
This element of emotional involvement might not only heighten the energy of the match but also raise concerns about the psychological balance the rule introduces, particularly in highly competitive contexts.
Test already underway in England
Bullingham reiterated that it was an experimental approach, to be implemented only if the results demonstrated a tangible improvement in the overall playing experience. Despite some initial skepticism about the actual applicability of the proposal, the new rule was introduced at the start of the new season in Premier League 2. This league is an English football competition dedicated to the youth teams of Premier League clubs and select teams from the English Football League (EFL). It is considered one of the top development competitions for young footballers in England, serving as a springboard for talents aspiring to play in first teams.
Similar to Italy’s Primavera Championship, Premier League 2 stands out for its structure, primarily designed for players in the Under-17 to Under-21 categories, with the possibility for each team to include a limited number of overage players (typically over 21). This approach aims to integrate younger players with more experienced athletes, contributing to a gradual and competitive growth path.
The league is divided into two categories, Division 1 and Division 2, with annual promotions and relegations between them. Each division follows a round-robin format, with home and away matches. The objective of Premier League 2 is to create an environment that is both competitive and educational, capable of preparing the best talents to meet the demands of professional football. Through a progressive integration process, young players have the opportunity to gain experience both against high-level peers and, on some occasions, against more experienced players. This model seeks to facilitate the transition of young talents to first teams, consolidating their potential and strengthening the English football system.
The italian experimentation
This trial phase is now entering its operational stage in Italy. The FIGC Federal Council has introduced the sanction in the Primavera 1 championship. Starting from the second half of the season, the new rule will be tested to combat the slowing down of match pace. The proposal stipulates that if the goalkeeper holds the ball beyond the allowed time (the new rule extends the limit to 8 seconds), they will initially receive a verbal warning. Upon a second infraction, a yellow card will be issued, and play will resume with a throw-in awarded to the opposing team, positioned at the 16-meter line.
