FIFA is set to clamp down on wrestling at corners during the upcoming World Cup, with refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina singling out England's corner tactics in a recent presentation. The iconic Italian referee aims to reduce grappling before free-kicks and corners are taken.
A new rule will be introduced at the tournament, allowing officials to rule out goals for fouls committed by the attacking team before the ball is in play from a corner or free kick. Collina highlighted a goal in England's friendly with Uruguay, where Adam Wharton body-checked José María Giménez before Ben White scored from a corner.
The rule change follows approval from the International FA Board (IFAB), football's law-making body. Collina stated that all rule changes will be presented to teams ahead of the tournament, along with video footage. He emphasised that the VAR will now be able to intervene in such cases, saying: 'We are convinced that this goal cannot stand, it is completely unfair.'
Referees will be alerted to teams that deploy these tactics, with England likely to face further scrutiny. IFAB confirmed the clarification to the VAR protocol for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing on-field reviews for clear attacking fouls before the ball is in play at corners or free kicks that directly impact a goal or penalty.
