Ulsan Hyundai and Mamelodi Sundowns faced off in the FIFA Club World Cup. Mamelodi Sundowns won the match with a single goal. However, the most notable moment of the match was the first-ever application of a new rule.
In the 84th minute of the match, Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Williams exceeded the time allowed to hold the ball, prompting referee François Letexier to intervene in accordance with the new regulations. When Williams held the ball for more than 8 seconds, the referee counted down the remaining 5 seconds by gesturing with his hand and subsequently awarded a corner kick to Ulsan Hyundai.
NEW REGULATION IMPLEMENTED
According to this new regulation introduced by IFAB, goalkeepers can hold the ball for a maximum of 8 seconds. When the time is exceeded, the referee counts down the remaining 5 seconds and awards a corner kick to the opposing team at the end of the period. While this implementation is being closely followed by football fans and teams, the rule is expected to increase the pace of the game.
The first application of the new rule has resonated widely in the football world. Experts state that this change will specifically prevent time-wasting tactics and make matches more fluid.
News Source: 12punto
