A new time-wasting rule is set to come into play from July, limiting goalkeepers to just eight seconds to release the ball after catching it. If they exceed the time, the opposition will be awarded a corner. [BBC]

The rule is the latest attempt to clamp down on teams running down the clock, but will it actually benefit Celtic?

Brendan Rodgers’ side regularly face opponents looking to slow the game down, especially at Celtic Park, where teams sit deep and try to frustrate. However, time-wasting in these matches often doesn’t come from goalkeepers holding onto the ball—it’s more commonly seen in delayed goal kicks, throw-ins, and substitutions.

This change could force keepers to move the ball quicker, but it’s unlikely to address the main source of frustration for Celtic fans. A broader rule change, penalising excessive delays in restarting play from dead-ball situations, would likely have a bigger impact.

So could this be the start of football laws looking to tackle time-wasting?

That said, any attempt to speed up the game is welcome, and if this rule proves effective, it could lead to further refinements in the future. For now, though, it’s unlikely to put an end to the time-wasting tactics Celtic face week in, week out.