8-second rule for goalkeepers – how do you apply it?

[GoookeRef]

Please take a look at this video:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1799790542441885910

This clip is from more than a year ago.
The goalkeeper is holding the ball with his hands, while an opponent is waiting behind him, trying to intercept once the ball is released.

I have three questions for everyone:

1. If the opponent is standing directly in front of the goalkeeper, I suppose the 8-second count should not start. Is that correct?
2. With the new 8-second rule added, even in a situation like this (with an opponent hiding behind the goalkeeper), the count should still start, right?
3. In this clip the opponent is at some distance, but if the opponent was standing much closer behind the goalkeeper, would you still start the count?

I’d really like to hear everyone’s thoughts on this!

 

[Archer]

Goalkeeper isn’t prevented from releasing the ball. “Normal” count for me.

Does the scorer deliberately leave the FOP without permission, though?

 

[JamesL]

Interestingly I have had this happen this season under the new laws.

Agree, the count can start when players are behind the goalkeeper. As they have clear possession with the ability to release it. Method of release is on the goalkeeper.

 

[one]

The description I have used before is "oprtunity to release" for starting the count. Even if oppoents are in front of the keeper but that is only because the keeper has moved behind them rather than opponent have moved in front of keeper, I'm still starting the count.

I'm also with @Archer . Even though the bigger sin here is the keeper's lack of awareness, the opponent going off the field and hiding behind the goal post (quite deliberately) is unsporting. I won't oppose a caution for the red player here. But it has to be done before the goal is scored otherwise match control is down the drain.

 

[GoookeRef]

Archer, JamesL and one.
Thanks a lot for this detailed explanation!
The phrase “opportunity to release” is really clear and helpful — I like that way of thinking about it.

And yes, I agree with you about the unsporting behavior of the attacker hiding behind the post. Also, the point about needing to deal with it before the goal is scored makes a lot of sense for match control. Really helpful insight!