FIFA has requested the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to introduce a new penalty shoot-out rule for the current World Cup knockout rounds, a change that could directly affect England. The proposal, reported by The Times, would alter the traditional two-coin-toss system to a single toss, with the winner choosing either to take the first kick or the end in front of their own fans.
Proposed Change to Penalty Shoot-Outs
Currently, two coin tosses determine which team kicks first and which end they use. FIFA wants to combine these into one coin toss, giving the winner the first choice and the loser the second. FIFA believes this is fairer, as the current system can hand two advantages to one team. The change would be implemented mid-tournament, with IFAB needing to decide before the first knockout match on Sunday night.
Historical Context and Support
France won the toss and kicked first in the 2022 World Cup final, but Argentina won the shoot-out despite the majority of fans being behind the goal. In the recent Champions League final, Arsenal lost both tosses and subsequently lost the shoot-out to Paris Saint-Germain. Former Arsenal chairman David Dein, who served on FIFA and UEFA competition committees, has long advocated for reform. In his book Calling the Shots: How to Win in Football and Life, Dein stated: “The more I watched shootouts, the more I felt it was unfair on the team who have to take their kicks in front of the opposing fans.” He proposed having penalties taken at both ends simultaneously, with separate officials, saying: “It's not rocket science having two officiating at either end and one in the centre circle.”
Impact on England and the Tournament
England, who have a mixed history in penalty shoot-outs, could benefit from the change if it is adopted. The rule aims to reduce the psychological disadvantage of taking penalties in front of hostile fans. FIFA's unprecedented mid-tournament push highlights the urgency to address perceived inequities. IFAB's decision is expected imminently, and if approved, the new rule will apply immediately to all knockout matches.
