FIFA is set to enforce a stricter rule against wrestling at corners during the upcoming World Cup, with refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina singling out an England goal that would no longer stand. The crackdown follows approval from the International FA Board (IFAB) and aims to reduce grappling before set pieces.
Collina highlighted a goal scored by Ben White in England's friendly against Uruguay, where Adam Wharton body-checked José María Giménez before the corner was taken. Under the new rule, such fouls by attackers before the ball is in play can lead to goals being disallowed via VAR review.
“There is a clear foul committed against the defender,” Collina said in a presentation. “The attacker clearly goes and illegally blocks the opponent; his only objective is to prevent the defender from being able to defend. We are convinced that this goal cannot stand, it is completely unfair.”
The rule change allows VAR to intervene for fouls by the attacking team that directly impact a goal, penalty, or disciplinary sanction. If a foul is deemed to have occurred, the set piece will be retaken and appropriate disciplinary action taken.
Collina confirmed that referees will be briefed on teams' tactics, with England likely to face extra scrutiny. “Our referees will be ready,” he said. “If this is a tactic, part of the preparation of our referees is to know in advance which tactics are implemented by teams.”
