The International Football Association Board 'IFAB', the body responsible for determining the laws of the game, has announced an amendment to the goalkeepers' ball retention law, extending the duration from 6 to 8 seconds starting from the next season 2025/2026.

Previously, goalkeepers were allowed to retain the ball for only 6 seconds, with an indirect free kick imposed for exceeding this duration, but this rule was rarely enforced in practice.

During the past period, the new law was tested in some competitions, including the English League Two, where the penalty was amended to a corner kick instead of an indirect free kick if the goalkeeper exceeded the maximum limit.

In addition to this amendment, the International Football Association Board is considering introducing changes to the offside law, aimed at enhancing the attacking nature of the game and increasing goal-scoring opportunities, with additional trials expected to be conducted in some upcoming FIFA competitions to test these changes.