Football could see a number of major rule changes implemented ahead of next year’s World Cup including the banning of penalty rebounds and more VAR interventions
Banning rebounds from penalties and VAR checks for second yellow cards are just some of the rule changes being weighed up ahead of next year’s World Cup.
A new report has revealed that football’s lawmakers are considering whether or not to press ahead with plans to make radical changes to some of the game’s oldest rules, including the possibility of awarding a goal kick whenever a penalty is missed.
The Sun have the details and say that while any such change would have to be approved by the International FA Board (Ifab), the idea of doing away with penalty rebounds has ‘growing backing’.
It’s said that senior figures within the game believe that the punishment for a foul in the box gives the attacking side a ‘far greater’ chance of scoring than the original phase of play.
The fact that a rebound then gives the attacking team a second chance to score is now being touted as an ‘unfair advantage’.
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The report adds that axing rebounds from a penalty would stop any controversy over enroachment with players entering the penalty area early.
Further changes are also being discussed ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will expand to 48 teams for the first time.
That includes ‘expanding the scope’ of VAR interventions, which was first broached at the end of 2023. Changes could mean that video officials now be able to intervene in a number of new circumstances including the prevention of ‘unfair dismissals’ via second yellow cards and contentious corner decisions wherever a ‘clear error’ has been made.
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While such changes would massively split opinions, the report adds that the Ifab are conscious that there should be ‘no extra delay’ with any such decisions and only calls which can be made in seconds would be considered as part of any alterations.
Such changes were discussed during the Club World Cup in the United States, which has been deemed an overwhelming success by Fifa. One new rule, where goalkeepers can be punished for holding onto the ball too long with a corner, was in effect.
Any significant rule changes would have to be agreed before the end of February next year in order to be approved for the World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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