nuclear submarine is testing a new rule for goalkeepers at youth level.
Currently, if a goalkeeper holds the ball for more than six seconds before releasing it into his own penalty area, the referee should, in theory, award an indirect free kick to the opponents.
However, this rule is hardly enforced and high-profile incidents such as alleged delays occur Davide Raya during Arsenal’s 2–2 draw against Manchester City, the goalkeepers were criticized for this.
However, this can be stopped. According to the head of PGMOL (the body responsible for refereeing English professional football matches) Howard Webban innovation is tested in Premier League 2. The expert’s words are quoted by The Mirror with reference to the Stick to Football podcast:
In Premier League 2 they are trying something that involves the goalkeeper holding the ball for more than six seconds.
If he holds the ball for eight seconds and does not release it, the result is a corner kick for the other team. After three seconds the referee starts the count and if the goalkeeper is stupid enough to hold it, there will be a corner kick.
