IFAB responded to a netizen s question. New rules for goalkeepers: 8 seconds of ball holding starts from the goalkeeper s uninterrupted ball control.

July 9th, FIFA Council (IFAB) answered fans' questions about the new rules for goalkeepers to hold the ball on social media.

According to the new rules for goalkeeper to hold the ball, if the opponent's player interferes with and blocks the goalkeeper, causing the latter to hold the ball for more than 8 seconds, in this case, unless the goalkeeper's team is in a favorable situation, the referee will suspend the game and award the goalkeeper's team a free kick.

If the opponent's player touches the goalkeeper, the referee needs to award a direct free kick. If the opponent's player does not touch the goalkeeper, the indirect free kick will be awarded.

Offensive players will not be warned unless the referee determines that his foul is reckless or prevents/interferences in a promising offense, in which case the referee is required to show a yellow card.

A fan asked a social media: "Does 8 seconds start to calculate when the opponent's player is away from the goalkeeper? For example, after a melee in the penalty area, the goalkeeper is surrounded by the opponent."

IFAB replied: "Thank you for your question. The referee should only start the countdown when the goalkeeper clearly controls the ball and is not disturbed by the opponent. If the opponent's player prevents the goalkeeper from completing the action within 8 seconds, the player should be punished."