Football lawmakers ‘to hold crunch talks in bid to tackle time-wasting’ – with surge in long throws putting issue under the spotlight this season

Football lawmakers are reportedly taking the next step in their crackdown on time-wasting as they consider a countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks.

A change in ruling this season in terms of how long goalkeepers are allowed to keep hold of the ball with their hands has seen games flow better, and it appears Ifab – the International FA Board – are looking to make their next move.

Ifab will be in London next week for their annual business meeting, and plans to reduce time-wasting are thought to be high on the agenda.

According to The Times, under consideration is the idea of extending the ruling around goalkeepers holding the ball to throw ins and goal kicks, featuring a countdown from the referee.

Currently, goalkeepers are allowed to hold the ball for eight seconds, having claimed it from a corner, cross, or in general play, for example. Referees let them know when there are five seconds remaining of the countdown, and they have to release the ball in the time limit or the opposing team is awarded with a corner.

It is suggested that the punishments on this occasion would be either a corner, if the situation relates to a goal kick, or the throw in question being awarded to the other team instead, as is the case with a foul throw. 

Goalkeepers could also be punished for taking too long with goal kicks under new proposals

The publication suggests that, due to the increase in long throws this season, the average period of time when the ball has been in play in the Premier League during a game has dropped by a minute-and-a-half, from 55min 28sec to 57min.

It is understood, however, that a time-wasting rule would only be enforced if the referee believes a team is in fact deliberately wasting time.

It is also reported that delays relating to injuries will also be looked at in the meeting, with a time limit potentially introduced for substitutions too. It comes after the FIFA Arab Cup in December trialled a rule looking at players faking injury, which saw an injured player who received treatment leaving the field for two minutes unless they were fouled by a player who received a card.

FIFA are reportedly expected to push for a similar rule, while also assessing a result if a goalkeeper receives treatment. Goalkeepers don’t currently have to leave the field of play, but it has been proposed that a different player could exit the field instead.

An update will also reportedly be given on the proposal of ‘Wenger’s Law’ – a law put forward by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger where there has to be daylight between a defender and attacker for an offside offence to occur.

It is also expected to be debated whether VAR should decide if a corner of goal kick is given at the World Cup.