New laws to put pressure on goalkeepers, referees

With him being forced to release the ball within six seconds to avoid conceding an indirect free-kick, the attacking team are not under pressure to clear the penalty area.

Indeed, they could crowd the ‘keeper, with the goalie running the risk of playing the ball to one of his own men under pressure from an opposing player, or straight to an opponent.

Referees will be expected to keep a close watch on how long the goalkeeper retains possession. The four-step rule has been widely ignored by referees in recent years.

One law change that should take the pressure off the referee sees the fourth official having more power to help in the officiating of a match. The fourth official is now expected to point out acts of violence by players immediately rather than wait until after the match.

Linesmen are now allowed to enter the field of play to measure the distance of a defensive wall at a free-kick, or to intervene if players are fighting.

All four officials will be wired up to help communication.

Referees have also been told to caution any player removing his shirt or pulling his shirt over his head to reveal a commercial or political slogan.

At the time the laws were changed, Fifa’s general secretary Michel Zen Ruffinen said: “as ever, the new laws are aimed at speeding up the game and making it even more entertaining for the spectators.”