The quick answer
Eight seconds. The goalkeeper has eight seconds to release the ball. Hold it longer and the other team gets a corner kick. Hands off. Opponents may not challenge a goalkeeper who has the ball in hand, or kick at it as it is being released. One pick-up. After letting go, the goalkeeper may not handle the ball again until another player has touched it.
See what changes
Choose a play. Use Play or Freeze decision, then read the example.
The goalkeeper looks up and throws the ball to a teammate after five seconds.
- Blue team
- Green team
- Goalkeeper
- Referee or assistant
Released in time
The goalkeeper looks up and throws the ball to a teammate after five seconds.
Paused
Released in time
The goalkeeper looks up and throws the ball to a teammate after five seconds.
Legal: play continues
The ball left the goalkeeper's hands inside eight seconds.
Held too long
The goalkeeper keeps hold of the ball. The referee raises a hand to count down the last five seconds.
Corner kick to the other team
Eight seconds passed with the ball still in hand.
Kicked from the hands
As the goalkeeper drops the ball to kick it, an opponent sticks a foot in.
Indirect free kick to the goalkeeper's team
An opponent may not stop the goalkeeper releasing the ball, or kick at it while it is being released.
Picked up again
The goalkeeper puts the ball down, takes a few steps with it, then picks it back up.
Indirect free kick to the other team
Once the ball is released, the goalkeeper may not touch it with the hands again until another player has touched it.
Common misunderstandings
- “It is six seconds.” It used to be. The Laws now say eight seconds, and the restart is a corner kick, not an indirect free kick.
- “The goalkeeper is bouncing it, so it is fair game.” No. Bouncing the ball or tossing it up still counts as having it under control.
- “The goalkeeper may not leave the area with the ball.” They may, using their feet. Only the hands are limited to the penalty area.
What happens next?
More than eight seconds of control inside the goalkeeper’s own penalty area gives the opponents a corner. Preventing release or handling again after release gives an indirect free kick. The referee decides when clear control begins and counts the final five seconds.
What signal might you see?
The raised hand counts the final five seconds; the referee indicates a corner or raises an arm for an indirect free kick.
Check your competition
Check your competition’s written rules and edition. Adapted youth formats may differ. The selected website city does not change the match rules.
Make the call
One question. No score or account needed.
The keeper holds the ball for more than eight seconds inside their own area. What is awarded?
Sources and review
Rules edition: 2026/27 · Sources checked:
Prepared with AI assistance; checked against the linked rules. Simplified illustrations are teaching examples. AI transparency
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