A new set of rules that will be in effect starting on July 1st will make it harder for goalkeepers to stop penalty kicks.
Emi Martinez is thought to have forced the rules after the goalkeeper’s antics during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Martinez’s ability to enrage opponents contributes to his ability to save penalty kicks.
Aurelien Tchouameni and Kingsley Coman were unable to match his success in the World Cup final matchup against France.
New penalty rules
However, all this is set to change after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) passed on new rules to be effected later this year.
According to the new guidelines, the goalkeeper will now not be allowed to behave in a manner that fails to show respect to the game, i.e, by distracting the opponent.
The goalkeeper will be required to remain on his/her goal line and not touch the net, posts or crossbar before the penalty is taken.
The custodians will also be barred from delaying the execution of the penalty.
Should the goalkeeper save the penalty, he or she will also now be barred from displaying behaviours that don’t show respect which could include various celebrations.
The new rules have elicited sharp reactions, with France’s new number 1 Mike Maignan offering a sarcastic response to the rules.
“New IFAB rules for penalties in 2026: Goalkeepers must have their backs to the shot ❌ In case of stoppage, indirect free kick.”
The rules are deemed unfair already
This comes at a time when penalty kicks continue to be heavily lopsided on the side of goalkeepers. A goalkeeper is currently required to have one of his feet on the line before the penalty is taken.
A penalty is usually retaken if the goalkeeper moved one of his feet from the line and saved the penalty.
This rule doesn’t take into consideration the stutters the penalty takers take before eventually hitting the ball.
With the penalty often a game of wits, it would be interesting to see how goalkeepers will now attempt to put off their opponents.
The new rules come into play on July 1st.
As reported earlier, Chelsea’s ace Kai Havertz saw his goal for Germany against Peru ruled out due to a rare football rule.
Germany took on Peru in a friendly on Saturday, March 25 and the game had an interesting incident involving Havertz.
The Chelsea man seems to have a poor relationship with penalties, as he recently also made headlines for a spot-kick against Borussia Dortmund.