Teams will be penalized for grappling from corners at this summer’s World Cup as referee Pierluigi Colina makes a number of big changes for the tournament.
Manager Thomas Tuchel wants set-pieces to be England’s big weapon at the World Cup (Image: Getty Images)
Referee Pierluigi Collina has introduced a major crackdown on corner grappling at this summer’s World Cup.
And it will be a huge blow to England manager Thomas Tuchel. Tuchel admitted he wanted to use set-pieces, including free kicks, corner kicks and throw-ins, as a major weapon against the United States.
Ahead of the tournament, FIFA has introduced a number of new directives to clamp down on players covering their mouths, wasting time and taking hydration breaks, as well as new VAR rules to intervene in incorrectly awarded corner kicks, second yellow cards and even mistaken identity.
And the directive that really catches the eye is the crackdown on corner grappling. Arsenal turned it into a work of art in the Premier League last season as Mikel Arteta’s champions scored 24 goals from set-pieces.
At the moment there is effectively a free-for-all, where players can push, block or foul before a corner or free kick is taken, and FIFA wants to prevent that from happening at the World Cup.
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Referees were able to secure last-minute approval from law makers IFAB to allow VAR checks to award fouls for grappling in the penalty box before a corner or free kick is awarded.
IFAB confirmed in a statement: “IFAB has approved clarifications to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol for use at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with respect to obvious violations committed by the attacking team before the ball is played in a corner kick or free kick that have a direct impact on a goal, penalty kick or disciplinary action.”
“If the offense meets the criteria set out in the clarification, VAR will recommend an on-field review and if the referee subsequently determines that the offense occurred before the ball was in play, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken and the corner kick or free kick will be retaken.”
Pierluigi Collina in Washington ahead of the World Cup draw (Image: Getty Images)
Tuchel admitted he had been working with a clear idea that set-pieces would be important due to the scorching heat and weather in the United States this summer. But Colina has made it clear they are considering cracking down, even citing England’s goal as one example of disallowance in his pre-tournament presentation to referees this summer.
Ben White scored for England against Uruguay at Wembley in March, but Adam Wharton was accused of blocking Jose María Jimenez in the build-up, which the referee indicated was to prevent it from being counted in the future.
Colina said: “The incident at Wembley was very serious. The ball was not in play and there was a clear foul with an illegal block on the defender. That block was the only foreseen threat that prevented the defender from defending his opponent.”
“As often happens when defenders mark man-to-man and attackers try to create space, we believe this goal is intolerable. Completely unfair.”
Scenes like this cannot be tolerated at the World Cup (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
But the move has already sparked a potential backlash, as the new crackdown is seen as a one-way street. Attackers may be penalized for a foul before a set piece is taken, but this does not apply to defenders who are penalized.
Colina also defended the decision to allow VAR to intervene in more incidents during the World Cup, such as corner kicks and yellow cards.
He added: “I would like to ask fans, fans or anyone else, would they be happy if their team, club or national team lost an important competition because of this type of incident? Would they be happy?”
“Are they going to say, ‘Oh, okay, we lost the game, it was a corner kick, it was a fake corner kick, but we’ll accept it because it says VAR can’t intervene.’ Do you think they’ll be happy? What do you think?
Ben White’s goal in England v Uruguay will no longer be allowed (Image: Vince Mignott/Getty Images)
Important points
Players who cover their mouths while speaking to an opponent in a manner that is considered “aggressive behavior” will be shown a red card. As long as you’re friendly, you’ll be fine. Benfica’s Gianluca Prestiani has been suspended for six games for covering his mouth while speaking to Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior. Players and coaches who leave the field in protest of the referee’s decision will be automatically given a red card. This follows some crazy scenes at the Africa Cup of Nations. To control time-wasting, there is a five-second countdown for throw-ins, and if a throw is not taken in time, it is awarded to the opponent. A new 5-second goal kick countdown will be imposed by the referee and violations will result in a corner kick. Players must leave the field within 10 seconds after being substituted, unless there is an injury or safety reason. If a rule is violated, the sub player may not enter the field of play until instructed to do so by the referee at the next stoppage of play. If a player is sent off for treatment, he will not be allowed to re-enter the pitch for one minute. This is designed to crack down on time wasters. Exceptions are made if the keeper is injured or has a concussion, and if a penalty kick is awarded and the injured player takes the penalty kick. VAR can now intervene for a second yellow card if a yellow card is misunderstood and a corner kick is incorrectly awarded. All games during the tournament will include a three-minute hydration break at the halfway point between each half.
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