According to the Mirror, FIFA is contemplating giving referees at the World Cup additional powers to manage physical altercations during corner kicks.
The organization is determined to prevent the kind of unsightly grappling in the penalty area during set pieces that has been a frequent sight in the Premier League this season. FIFA is actively looking at ways to crack down on blocking, pulling, and other clear fouls during free kicks and corners.
With less than a month until the World Cup begins, the discussions are still ongoing. The exact details are being finalized, which could include new guidelines and encouraging referees to be more vigilant and strict in enforcing the rules. These potential guidelines have already been discussed with national team coaches ahead of the tournament.
A clear example occurred during England’s match against Uruguay in March, when Ben White scored at Wembley. There were accusations that James Ward-Prowse had obstructed Jose Maria Gimenez during the buildup to the goal.
US Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes, who was working as a pundit for ITV that evening, remarked, “I think nine times out of ten, a block like that is a foul. I’m surprised the referee didn’t call it.”
FIFA will examine such decisions and incidents, aiming to prevent similar controversies, such as the one that occurred when West Ham United had a goal disallowed against Arsenal following a VAR review.
It remains unclear how referees can intervene in pushing and shoving before the whistle blows or play begins, but this is undoubtedly part of the discussions. This could become a specific directive for the World Cup, with referees expected to enforce it upon their arrival at the training base early next month.
