© Imago
When FC Bayern play their first competitive match after the summer break in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup on 16 August, a few new rules will apply. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a number of rule changes that came into effect on 1 July – fcbayern.com gives you an overview of the new rules.
Stricter time wasting rule for goalkeepers
As soon as Manuel Neuer and his colleagues have the ball, they will be under close scrutiny from now on. Keepers will be allowed to control the ball with their hands or arms for a maximum of eight seconds instead of six – otherwise a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team. What sounds like a relaxation is actually a tightening of the rules. Infringements were previously penalised with an indirect free kick, a relatively hard punishment, which is why time wasting by goalkeepers was rarely whistled. In the new format, it is controlled more strictly, with the referees instructed to count down the last five seconds before the whistle with a raised hand.
Manuel Neuer will be allowed to control the ball for a maximum of eight seconds, otherwise a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team. | © Imago
Dropped ball
If the referee touches the ball outside the penalty area, it is dropped. However, a change in who receives the ball has been approved. Previously, the ball was dropped for the team that last touched it, which was not always fair because the last touch would often have led to a turnover anyway, so the ball will from now on be dropped for the team that had or would have gained possession.
More leniency with penalty takers
When the penalty taker accidentally kicked the ball with both feet simultaneously or the ball touched the player’s other leg, the attempt was previously judged as missed. This has been adjusted in the penalty taker’s favour: If the ball enters the goal, such instances will now result in a retake. If the penalty is missed, the opposition team will be awarded an indirect free-kick. If the penalty is missed in a shootout, it is the opposition team’s turn. However, if the penalty taker intentionally kicks the ball a second time – if it crashes off the post and no other player touches it, for instance – an indirect penalty will be awarded to the opposition team.
Bayern's opening Bundesliga fixtures:
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