April 2 – Conmebol has introduced a major rule change for the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana, becoming the first confederation to cap the time goalkeepers can hold on to the ball at eight seconds. If keepers exceed the limit, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick.
The regulation is part of a broader push by lawmaking body IFAB (International football association board) to speed up play and reduce time-wasting. Conmebol is using its biggest competitions, which kicked off on Tuesday, as the international guinea pig for the change. The updated rules state that referees will signal at the five-second mark, warning goalkeepers to release the ball. Failure to do so by eight seconds will result in an immediate corner for the opposition.
Conmebol’s decision follows successful trials in England, Italy, and Malta, with IFAB approving a global rollout. The rule will take effect worldwide on July 1, 2025 and will apply across all levels of the game, from amateur football to top-tier competitions. It will also be enforced at the expanded Club World Cup, which runs from June 15 to July 13 this summer.
Conmebol is also reinforcing its crackdown on time-wasting by restricting player-referee interactions—only captains will be allowed to approach officials.
The rule change has sparked debate, with some coaches and goalkeepers voicing concerns about enforcement under high-pressure conditions. However, early data suggests a noticeable reduction in delays, with leagues such as Brazil’s top flight already experimenting with similar measures.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1745560614labto1745560614ofdlr1745560614owedi1745560614sni@g1745560614niwe.1745560614yrrah1745560614