The Tottenham vs. Burnley match witnessed the first application of FIFA’s new rule regarding the goalkeeper’s possession of the ball.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) updated the possession rule. Previously, the goalkeeper was allowed to hold the ball for six seconds, after which the referee would award an indirect free kick to the opponent from inside the penalty area.
Because of what could be perceived as the harshness of this rule, it was rarely applied except in very clear cases, given that a free kick from inside the penalty area would effectively mean a goal for the opponent, while the event might not warrant such an outcome.
The IFAB eventually amended the rule to allow the goalkeeper to hold the ball for eight seconds. If it lasts longer, the referee awards a corner kick to the opposing team.
The law was seen repeatedly during the 2025 Club World Cup, and for the first time in one of the top five leagues, on Saturday, during Tottenham’s match against Burnley at Spurs Stadium in the first round of the English Premier League.
Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka held the ball for eight seconds, and when he delayed, the referee blew his whistle, awarding Tottenham a corner kick. The footage went viral on social media.
⏱️ Dubravka holds the ball for over 8 seconds, gifting Spurs a corner – the first time the new rule comes into play!#beINPL #TOTBUR pic.twitter.com/cefr4kCXJ8
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) August 16, 2025
