Rules revolution in England? Legend announces plans

Does the English Premier League have an answer to goalkeeper timing? Like referee legend Howard Webb in a pay-TV show SkyBet explained, the Premier League is planning a rule revolution that will greatly reduce game delays by goalkeepers.

According to the current rules, goalkeepers are only allowed to hold the ball in their hands for six seconds. If this time is exceeded, an indirect free kick will be given to the opposing team.

However, if the time limit is exceeded, the whistle is rarely blown – which is why the Premier League is considering a rule revolution. The plan: If the goalkeeper holds the ball for more than six seconds, the opposing team gets a corner.

As Webb continued, the new rule is already being tested in England. “In the Premier League 2 (U21-Premier-League; Anm. d. Red.) Something is tried if the goalkeeper holds the ball for longer than six seconds. If he holds the ball for eight seconds and does not release it, there is a corner for the other team. After three seconds the referee counts down and if the goalkeeper is stupid enough to hold on to the ball, there is a corner,” said the 53-year-old.

A change that England legend and TV expert Gary Neville would also welcome in the English House of Lords: “I like that. I think we all like that. The biggest delay in the game is when the goalkeepers take longer than the six seconds with the ball.”

Neville particularly addressed situations “where the goalkeepers hold the ball for nine, ten, sometimes 13 or 14 seconds – they waste six or seven seconds every time. This is never penalized and the rule is still in effect. This drives me crazy.”