A freshly introduced football regulation aimed at curbing goalkeeper time-wasting could benefit teams like Stoke City, particularly in light of their recent tactical moves under manager Mark Robins.
Effective this week, goalkeepers will now be penalised with a corner kick if they hold onto the ball for longer than eight seconds. Previously, shotstoppers were given six seconds to release the ball, with any delays resulting in an indirect free-kick — although this rule was rarely enforced in practice.
Now, under the revised law, referees will award a corner to the opposition if the keeper exceeds the eight-second limit. The rule is being actively trialled in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia, where it’s already come into effect during matches such as Spain’s 3-2 victory over Slovakia, Italy’s 1-0 win against Romania, Georgia’s 2-1 triumph over Poland, and a goalless draw between Portugal and France.
England’s U21 squad, which includes Stoke goalkeeper Tommy Simkin, is due to play Czechia today. Elsewhere, Million Manhoef’s Netherlands will face Finland in another matchup impacted by this law.
Tactical Advantages for Stoke and Mark Robins
Stoke City are expected to benefit from the rule, especially with the arrival of Sorba Thomas, a known specialist in set-piece delivery. The likelihood of more corner kicks being awarded as a result of stricter enforcement could play into Robins’ strategy as he looks to build a more physically dominant team for the upcoming campaign. The club’s sporting director Jon Walters is also leading a recruitment push to bolster Stoke’s aerial threat.
Caution from Chris Davies: Time-Wasting May Evolve
Despite the rule change, Birmingham City manager Chris Davies remains sceptical about how effective the eight-second enforcement will be in eradicating time-wasting altogether.
Back in April, Davies commented:
“Next season, with the rule now shifting to a corner after eight seconds, it creates a new dilemma for teams. I’m pleased something is being done about time-wasting, but I’m not convinced this will be the final solution.”
Davies noted that if officials strictly enforced the rule, teams would no longer have time to reposition or launch organised long balls — drastically shifting match dynamics.
“If you freeze the game at six seconds, most players wouldn’t be in place yet. But give them 20+ seconds, and they breathe, move up, chat, and reset strategy. It kills momentum.”
He also warned that clubs will likely find innovative ways to bypass the rule, such as delaying full control of the ball by shielding it or feigning hesitation until pressured by an attacker.
“It won’t be long before coaches find loopholes — shielding the ball before picking it up, for example — to stretch the clock.”
Overall Impact: A Rule That Could Benefit High-Pressing Teams
Ultimately, the change appears set to favour teams that keep the ball in play and press for results, like Stoke under Robins.
“For sides that thrive on tempo and intensity, like us,” Davies added, “this rule could create a real edge — so long as the referees stay consistent.”
The new law marks an ongoing attempt by governing bodies to make football faster, more fluid, and less susceptible to stalling tactics — and could very well shift tactical planning across English football in the 2025–26 season.
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