Fifa new penalty rules
FIFA has introduced several changes to the penalty kick rules in recent years. Here are some of the key changes:
- Retake of penalty kick if goalkeeper moves off the line: In 2019, FIFA introduced a new rule that allows the referee to order a retake of a penalty kick if the goalkeeper moves off the line before the ball is kicked. This rule aims to prevent goalkeepers from gaining an unfair advantage by anticipating the direction of the penalty kick.
- Goalkeeper's position at the penalty spot: In 2019, FIFA also introduced a new rule that requires the goalkeeper to remain on the goal line, facing the kicker, until the ball is kicked. This rule aims to prevent goalkeepers from trying to intimidate or distract the kicker.
- No more "dive" penalty kicks: In 2018, FIFA introduced a new rule that prohibits players from deliberately diving or feigning injury to gain an advantage from a penalty kick. If a player is found to have deliberately dived, the referee can award a free kick to the opposing team.
- Increased use of video assistant referees (VARs): FIFA has also increased the use of VARs to help referees make accurate decisions during penalty kicks. VARs can review whether a penalty kick was awarded correctly, and if necessary, recommend a change to the referee's decision.
- New guidelines for penalty kick takers: In 2020, FIFA introduced new guidelines for penalty kick takers, recommending that they should not make excessive celebrations or gestures towards the opposing team's goalkeeper or fans. The guidelines also encourage players to respect the opposing team's goalkeeper and not to try to intimidate or distract them.
These changes aim to improve the fairness and integrity of penalty kicks, and to reduce the risk of controversy and disputes during matches.