Referee Clement Turpin has become the first official ever to apply the newly introduced eight-second rule in the FIFA Club World Cup match between South Korean side Ulsan and South African side Mamelodi Sundowns.
In the 83rd minute, Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams held the ball for more than eight seconds, prompting the referee to award a corner for Ulsan.
¡LA REGLA DE LOS 8 SEGUNDOS SE APLICA POR PRIMERA VEZ EN EL MUNDIAL DE CLUBES! ⏱️
El portero tardó en sacar y Turpin, siguiendo el reglamento, lo sancionó con córner en contra 👀@FIFACWC | Todos los partidos gratis en https://t.co/yWCWbevPop #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/pH0ODfPP7m
— DAZN Fútbol (@DAZNFutbol) June 18, 2025
Key points from the new Law 12.2 and FIFA’s implementation guidelines:
“The eight-second count begins once the goalkeeper has full control of the ball and is not under pressure from an opponent.
The referee must visibly count down the final five seconds, ensuring the goalkeeper can see the countdown.
If opponents interfere or pressure the goalkeeper during the countdown, the referee will stop the count and award an indirect free kick in favor of the goalkeeper.”
