The Ref Stop

Goalkeeper Control 2025/26

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J

Johnson

FFA Level 2 (Theory)
I’ve just realised that “or by touching it with any part of the hands or arms, except if the ball rebounds from the goalkeeper or the goalkeeper has made a save” (which was in the 2024/25 LOTG) appears to have been removed from the definition of the goalkeeper having control of the ball with the hands. Did anyone else hear about this? Was this intentional (it’s not mentioned in the explanation of the changes)? And since it matters now, what does between the hand/arm and a surface mean? Is the ball touching a surface and the hand/arm enough or does the surface and the hand/arm need to be on opposite sides of the ball?
 
The Ref Stop
Johnson said:
I’ve just realised that “or by touching it with any part of the hands or arms, except if the ball rebounds from the goalkeeper or the goalkeeper has made a save” (which was in the 2024/25 LOTG) appears to have been removed from the definition of the goalkeeper having control of the ball with the hands. Did anyone else hear about this? Was this intentional (it’s not mentioned in the explanation of the changes)? And since it matters now, what does between the hand/arm and a surface mean? Is the ball touching a surface and the hand/arm enough or does the surface and the hand/arm need to be on opposite sides of the ball?
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Sneaky edit. It is going to make a difference in many decisions as many controls in the past where justified by what is now removed.

The answer to your second part, for me the definition of 'between' would be to go by. IMO the hand and surface must be more or less on opposite sides.
 
I did notice this a couple of months back but didn't think too much of it. I don't think I will be changing the way I determine control, but yes, it was handy to be backed by law!
 
That was one of IFAB’s great confusing sentences. But I kinda wish they replaced it with one that makes sense instead of just deleting it. I do think that the lack of comment on the edit means IFAB doesn’t think it makes any material change.
 
I already asked IFAB. Their answer was it was redundant text so taken out.
So we can take from that there is no practical change to how these situations should be refereed.
 
ChasObserverRefDeveloper said:
It also has the definition of controlling the ball . . .
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Ah!!!! Now I get it!.

I think it is a big change - “touching it with any part of the arms or hands” gave us some scope with aerial barges as the GK tried to palm, or sliding tackles as the GK tries to palm. I think it’s a big change to benefit attackers. Surprised it was not mentioned.
 
santa sangria said:
Ah!!!! Now I get it!.

I think it is a big change - “touching it with any part of the arms or hands” gave us some scope with aerial barges as the GK tried to palm, or sliding tackles as the GK tries to palm. I think it’s a big change to benefit attackers. Surprised it was not mentioned.
Click to expand...
Per above, IFAB doesn't consider it a change, but the removal of redundant language. . . .
 
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