Club World Cup & Gold Cup: New Rules Explained
- New soccer regulations are being tested at the FIFA Club World Cup and the Concacaf Gold cup in the United States.
- FIFA is addressing the long-standing issue of goalkeepers holding the ball excessively.Referees will now enforce an eight-second limit for goalkeepers to release the ball.
- Pierluigi Collina, FIFA's head of referees, said the aim is to speed up play, not strictly penalize goalkeepers.
FIFA is shaking up the game! At the Club World cup adn Gold Cup, expect to see new rules designed to speed up play and ensure fair competition. The chief change? Goalkeepers now have just eight seconds to release the ball, with referees signaling when time is almost up. Fail to comply, and itS a corner kick for the opposition. This is just one of several adjustments, including a critical tweak to penalty kick rules where a retake will be awarded if the kicker commits a double touch. News Directory 3 keeps you informed on all the unfolding stories. Eager to know if these changes are here to stay? Discover what’s next.
FIFA Tests New Rules at Club World cup, Gold Cup
Updated June 13, 2025
New soccer regulations are being tested at the FIFA Club World Cup and the Concacaf Gold cup in the United States. These changes, also in effect for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship and the UEFA Women’s Euros, include enhancements to semi-automated offside technology and referee headset cameras. A key focus is curbing excessive time-wasting, particularly by goalkeepers.
FIFA is addressing the long-standing issue of goalkeepers holding the ball excessively.Referees will now enforce an eight-second limit for goalkeepers to release the ball. When five seconds remain, the referee will raise an arm as a signal. Failure to release the ball within the time limit will result in a corner kick for the opposing team. This adjustment aims to speed up the game and reduce frustrating delays.
Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s head of referees, said the aim is to speed up play, not strictly penalize goalkeepers. Referees will allow some versatility,especially after a demanding save,but blatant time-wasting will be addressed. There will be no yellow card issued,just the corner kick.
Another rule clarification involves penalty kicks. Previously, a penalty was disallowed if the kicker touched the ball twice.Now, a retake will be awarded. This change came after a controversial incident involving Julián Álvarez in a Champions League match.
What’s next
These rule adjustments aim to create a fairer and more engaging experience for players and fans alike. The soccer world will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the flow of the game during these high-profile tournaments.