New goalie rule comes into force in the LOI

LEAGUE of Ireland goalkeepers will concede a corner if they hold onto the ball for more than eight seconds under new rules coming into force this weekend.

- BY PAUL O'HEHIR

The FIFA directive was revealed in March and will come into play in other leagues this summer, ahead of the new August to May seasons.

But the new rule is being introduced in the League of Ireland from this Friday night, ahead of Irish teams competing in European competitions over the following weeks.

Some of the League of Ireland match officials are also taking charge of European matches this summer and they need to be familiar with the new measures.