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International Football Association Board (IFAB’s) New Rule: Corner Kicks for Goalkeeper Time-Wasting

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The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for defining the Laws of the Game in soccer, has introduced a significant rule change to address goalkeeper time-wasting, effective from the 2025-26 season.

Announced on March 1, 2025, during IFAB’s 139th Annual General Meeting in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the amendment modifies Law 12.2, which governs indirect free kicks. Starting July 1, 2025—though implemented earlier for the FIFA Club World Cup beginning June 14, 2025—goalkeepers who hold the ball for more than eight seconds will concede a corner kick to the opposing team, replacing the rarely enforced six-second limit that previously warranted an indirect free kick.

The change stems from years of frustration over lax enforcement of the existing rule, where goalkeepers often held the ball far beyond six seconds without penalty—an IFAB study noted an average of 20 seconds during deliberate delays, compared to under six for quick releases.

Trials in youth leagues in England, Italy, and Malta’s top flight this season demonstrated the new rule’s effectiveness. Referees used a visual five-second countdown—raising an arm and lowering it like a clock—to signal the final warning, resulting in only four corner kicks awarded across over 400 matches, suggesting a strong deterrent effect. IFAB’s data indicates goalkeepers adjusted their behavior, releasing the ball faster to avoid the penalty, aligning with the goal of speeding up play.

Unlike the indirect free kick, which referees hesitated to award due to its proximity to goal and high scoring potential, a corner kick offers a balanced consequence: it punishes time-wasting without overly favoring the attacking team, as scoring from corners is less likely than from free kicks inside the box.

The rule will apply universally, though leagues can opt to adopt it earlier or delay until their next season if mid-campaign by July 2025. This shift, unanimously approved by IFAB’s members—FIFA and the football associations of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—marks a pragmatic step to enhance game flow, with early implementation set for the FIFA Club World Cup, including teams like Chelsea and Manchester City.

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Ghana’s Black Stars Shine with 5-0 Victory Over Chad in World Cup Qualifiers

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The Ghana Black Stars Put 5 Pass Chad in World Cup Qualifiers
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The Ghanaian national football team, known as the Black Stars, delivered a stellar performance, defeating Chad 5-0 in their latest FIFA World Cup African Qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium. The goals were netted by Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Salisu, and Ernest Nuamah, showcasing a well-coordinated team effort.

This victory has propelled Ghana to the top of Group I, enhancing their prospects for the 2026 World Cup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The match not only highlighted the team’s improved form but also ignited celebrations across the nation, with widespread support from fans. While President John Mahama has historically rallied for the team, his specific reaction to this match remains unconfirmed.

The focus now shifts to their next challenge against Madagascar, with the team’s recent performance setting high expectations.

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George Foreman, Legendary Boxer, Dies at 76

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American boxer George Foreman
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George Foreman, celebrated for his extraordinary boxing career and vibrant life beyond the ring, has died at the age of 76. His family confirmed his passing, prompting an outpouring of tributes from around the globe.

Foreman’s legacy includes his historic comeback at 45 to reclaim the heavyweight title, a feat that made him the oldest heavyweight champion ever. His epic battle with Muhammad Ali in the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ remains one of the most memorable moments in sports history.

Beyond boxing, Foreman’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to fame with the George Foreman Grill, while his role as a preacher touched many lives. His contributions to sports and culture were widely acknowledged in the heartfelt posts following his death.

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Paul Pogba’s Return: A Free Agent’s Journey Back to Football

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Paul Pogba
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Paul Pogba, the dynamic French midfielder, has officially ended his 18-month ban for doping and is now a free agent, ready to resume his football career. His suspension concluded on March 11, and the football world is abuzz with where he might land next. While there’s strong interest from his former club Manchester United, discussions also include potential moves to Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, or even abroad.

Juventus, his last club, has been in talks regarding contract termination, making Pogba one of the most intriguing free agents this season. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see where Pogba’s talents will next be showcased, with his return not just marking a personal comeback but also stirring the transfer market dynamics.

Pogba’s ordeal began in August 2023 when he tested positive for DHEA—a banned substance that boosts testosterone—after Juventus’ Serie A match against Udinese. Initially handed a four-year ban by the Italian Anti-Doping National Tribunal in February 2024, the 31-year-old faced the prospect of missing the prime years of his career. However, his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in October 2024 proved successful, slashing the suspension to 18 months. Pogba maintained that he never knowingly violated anti-doping regulations, attributing the positive test to a supplement prescribed by a doctor in the United States. The CAS ruling, which deemed the ingestion unintentional, allowed him to resume training in January 2025 and return to competitive action today.

The reduction of his ban was a lifeline for Pogba, who described the period as a “nightmare” in a statement following the CAS decision. His departure from Juventus, finalized on November 30, 2024, came as the club opted not to reintegrate him, leaving him free to chart his next move. Despite his limited appearances during his second stint in Turin—only eight league games due to injuries and the subsequent ban—Pogba’s talent and pedigree remain undeniable.

As a free agent, Pogba enters a unique position in the footballing world. Eligible to sign with any club at any time, he has been linked with a variety of destinations across Europe and beyond. His return coincides with a critical juncture: at 31 (turning 32 on March 15), he still has the potential to perform at a high level, but his long absence raises questions about fitness and form. Nevertheless, his experience as a World Cup winner (2018) and his proven track record at Juventus (2012-2016) and Manchester United make him an attractive proposition.

Speculation about his next move has been rife. A return to the Premier League, where he spent six years with Manchester United, has been floated, with former teammate Louis Saha suggesting a reunion could bolster United’s midfield. However, Pogba’s second spell at Old Trafford (2016-2022) was polarizing—marked by flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency and a £89 million transfer fee that set lofty expectations. Other English clubs, including Arsenal, have been mentioned, though some pundits warn that his injury history and time away might deter top-tier sides.

Elsewhere, Ligue 1’s Marseille has emerged as a potential landing spot, offering a return to France and a chance to play in a competitive European league. The Saudi Pro League, with its financial allure and Pogba’s prior visits to the region, is another option, while Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs like LAFC and Inter Miami have been discussed, though roster constraints could complicate a move. Pogba himself has expressed a desire to compete at the highest level, hinting at a preference for Europe’s top five leagues.

Pogba’s immediate focus will be regaining match fitness and proving he can still deliver the flair, vision, and physicality that once made him one of the world’s most coveted midfielders. His last competitive appearance was in September 2023, and the past 18 months have been spent training independently. While he’s reportedly eager to return—“excited like a child who wants to be professional,” as he put it in a 2024 interview—adapting to the pace of top-flight football after such a layoff will be no small feat.

Clubs considering a move will weigh his undeniable upside against the risks. His salary demands, previously among Juventus’ highest at €500,000 per week (reduced to €2,000 monthly during his ban), may now be more flexible, as he’s indicated a willingness to prioritize playing time over earnings. A short-term deal could be the ideal scenario, allowing both Pogba and a prospective team to assess his impact without long-term commitment.

Paul Pogba’s return is more than a comeback—it’s a redemption arc in the making. Once the most expensive player in football history, he’s now a free agent with a point to prove. Whether he lands at a European giant, a surprise contender, or a new frontier like the MLS or Saudi Arabia, his journey back to the spotlight will be one of 2025’s most compelling football stories. As he steps onto the pitch again, the world will watch to see if the “new Paul Pogba,” as he’s called himself, can recapture the magic that defined his peak.

 

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