FIFA is set to implement a new rule at this summer's World Cup to clamp down on wrestling during corner kicks and free kicks, with refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina specifically highlighting England's tactics in a recent presentation. The iconic Italian referee aims to reduce grappling incidents that occur before set pieces are taken.
New Rule Approved by IFAB
The rule change, approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), will allow video assistant referees (VAR) to recommend an on-field review for clear fouls committed by the attacking team before the ball is in play at a corner or free kick. If the referee determines an offence occurred, the goal, penalty, or disciplinary sanction can be overturned, and the set piece retaken. This marks a significant shift from previous protocols where such fouls were often overlooked.
England's Goal Used as Example
Collina singled out a goal scored by England in a friendly against Uruguay, where Adam Wharton body-checked José María Giménez before a corner. Ben White subsequently bundled the ball home at the far post. In a video presentation to teams, Collina stated: 'There is a clear foul committed against the defender. The attacker clearly goes and illegally blocks the opponent; his only objective is to prevent the defender from being able to defend against his opponent. We are convinced that this goal cannot stand, it is completely unfair. We want the VAR to intervene even if a foul is committed just before the ball is in play. We are convinced nobody can object to that.'
Referees Prepared for Tactics
Collina emphasised that referees will be well-prepared for teams employing such tactics. '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. We have match analysts preparing, providing referees with information. If you know something before, you put your attention where it might be needed.' England, in particular, is likely to face increased scrutiny from officials during the tournament.
IFAB Confirms Clarification
IFAB released a statement confirming the clarification to the VAR protocol for use at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It states that if an offence meets the criteria set out in the clarification, the VAR will recommend an on-field review. Following this, if the referee determines an offence occurred before the ball was in play, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, and the corner kick or free kick will be retaken. Collina added: 'We try to solve this and let's see what can be next. It would only be for fouls committed by an attacker. I don't think any of you would be happy with a goal scored as a result of a foul being committed and the reason why the VAR can't intervene is that the protocol says that.'
