Common free-kick tactic set to be stamped out as football lawmakers plan another rule change

Football’s favourite free-kick tactic is set to be stamped out of the game with football lawmakers Ifab confirmed planned rule changes. 

The attacking free-kick tactic has been evident in Premier League football this season but will now be faded out of the game with the upcoming alterations.

What is the free-kick tactic? Five things you need to know…

1. From free-kicks, attacking sides have lined up alongside the defensive wall in an attempt to disrupt the organisation.
2. The attackers have been pushing defenders which has repeatedly opened up spaces in the defensive wall.
3. Arsenal played Bournemouth midweek with the Gunners putting three attackers in the Cherries wall, opening space for Alexandre Lacazette to score.
4. The change will aid referees who have had to watch for foul play and disruption between attackers and defenders.
5. However, attackers can stand between the ball and the wall in an effort to gain their side an advantage.

The move will see attackers unable to encroach on the opposition, giving the defensive side more chance of staying organised. Ifab – the International Football Association Board – have now announced the change, enforcing attackers to stay at least one metre away from the designated defensive wall.

Speaking before the rule changes were confirmed, president of Concacaf and one of Fifa’s representatives Victor Montagliani expressed his feelings that the new motion will benefit the modern game.

He said: “I think it would be a good improvement to the laws of the game.”

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What other changes have Ifab confirmed?

It was not just the topic of free-kicks on discussion at the 133rd Annual General Meeting of Ifab as further rule changes were confirmed.

Potentially the most significant comes with regards to handballs, and what constitutes a handball. Previously, fans have been confused as to whether the intent to handball makes any difference in the decision being given.

And Ifab’s newest rule changes appear to have simplified the handball laws.

Their statement read: “On the topic of defining handball, a decision was taken by The IFAB to provide a more precise and detailed definition for what constitutes handball, in particular with regard to the occasions when a non-deliberate/accidental handball will be penalised.

“For example a goal scored directly from the hand/arm (even if accidental) and a player scoring or creating a goal-scoring opportunity after having gained possession/control of the ball from their hand/arm (even if accidental) will no longer be allowed.”

Other rule changes mentioned but not fully explained thus far include those related to a player being substituted having to leave the pitch at the nearest touchline to account for time-wasting, cards for misconduct by team officials and the ball not having to leave the penalty area at goal kicks and defensive free-kicks in the penalty area.

Changes to dropped ball procedures and the goalkeeper only being required to have one foot on the line when facing a penalty were also included.

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