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BELFAST, Ireland — Soccer's rule makers are taking another crack at reducing timewasting by goalkeepers who hold the ball for too long. The International Football Association Board approved a rule change Saturday whereby the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick if a goalkeeper holds the ball for more than eight seconds. This replaces the current and mostly unenforced rule that states a referee should give an indirect free kick to the other side if a goalkeeper holds the ball for more than six seconds. The new rule will take effect at the Club World Cup in June.
