Notes and modificationsProcedure·Page 26, 2026/27 edition

Procedure

The provision as it is printed, and everything on Ruleside that turns on it.

This protocol relates to the five-second countdown in Laws 15 and 16 to prevent time-wasting and disruption to the tempo of the match at throw-ins and goal kicks. If the time limit is exceeded, the restart is taken by the opposing team.
IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, page 26 · clause law-x-ef574c0c

Verdicts that turn on it 3

Walk the tree to any of these and this clause is part of the answer.

Not penalised, and the goal kick standsgoal-kick-corner
Not penalised, and the throw-in standsthrow-in
Throw-in to the opposing team, from the same positionthrow-in

Changed for 2026/27 1

What this provision replaced, and when it took effect.

5-Second Countdown for Throw-ins & Goal Kicks

Questions that ask it 2

Points in a walk where the reader is deciding this provision.

Where had the countdown got to?goal-kick-corner
Where had the countdown got to?throw-in

The Laws of the Game are published by The IFAB and quoted here for the purpose of explaining the decisions on this site. Ruleside is not affiliated with The IFAB or FIFA. Every clause of Notes and modifications that Ruleside cites.