Alious**IFAB Introduces Major Goalkeeper Rule Change for 2025-26 – Wolves’ José Sá Among Those Most Affected**
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has announced a significant adjustment to football’s time-wasting rules, set to take effect in the 2025-26 season.
Currently, Law 12.2 dictates that goalkeepers have a maximum of six seconds to release the ball before conceding an indirect free-kick. However, IFAB has unanimously voted to modify this rule, extending the time limit to eight seconds but introducing a major twist—if a goalkeeper fails to release the ball within that period, the opposing team will now be awarded a **corner kick** instead of an indirect free-kick.
To aid referees in enforcing the rule, a visual five-second countdown will be introduced, allowing officials to make quicker and more accurate decisions. This marks the first major update to Law 12.2 since its introduction in 1998.
How This Rule Change Could Affect José Sá**
Among Premier League goalkeepers, Wolves’ **José Sá** could be one of the most impacted by this new regulation. Since joining Wolves, the Portuguese shot-stopper has developed a reputation for pushing the limits of time-wasting, often picking up bookings for delaying play—particularly when his team is leading.
With the upcoming rule change, Sá and other keepers will need to rethink their game management tactics. Wolves already rank among the Premier League’s top teams in terms of corners conceded, averaging **6.48 per match**. **Vítor Pereira will likely be keen to ensure his side doesn’t invite even more pressure by unnecessarily giving away corners under the new rule.**
As the 2025-26 season approaches, goalkeepers will need to adapt quickly to avoid costly mistakes that could hand opponents easy set-piece opportunities.
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