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FIFA will crack down severely on holding and wrestling during corner kicks at the upcoming World Cup. Pierluigi Collina, FIFA's Chief Refereeing Officer, specifically highlighted England's corner kick tactics during a recent presentation. The legendary Italian referee aims to reduce pulling and holding actions before free kicks and corner kicks are taken.
A new rule will be introduced at this tournament, allowing referees to disallow goals if the attacking team commits a foul before a corner kick or free kick is taken.
During his recent presentation, Collina specifically mentioned England, focusing on a goal scored in their friendly match against Uruguay. Adam Wharton physically charged José María Giménez just before the corner kick was taken, after which Ben White headed the ball into the goal at the far post to open the scoring.
This rule adjustment was made after FIFA received approval from the International Football Association Board (IFAB), football's law-making body. Collina stated that all rule changes will be explained to teams through video materials before the tournament.
Collina said: “We are trying to address this issue and see how it goes. This applies only to fouls committed by attacking players.”
"I don't think any of you here would be satisfied with a goal scored through a foul, and the reason VAR couldn't intervene is because the rules stipulated so," Collina added.
In a video demonstration, Collina showed Wharton's aforementioned foul before White's goal and stated: “The defending player was clearly fouled. The attacking player clearly and illegally blocked the opponent; his sole purpose was to prevent the defending player from defending.”
"We are convinced that this goal should not stand, it was completely unfair. We want VAR to be able to intervene, even if the foul occurs before the game is restarted. We are certain that no one will object to this," he emphasized.
Referees will be informed which teams use such tactics during corner kicks, and England is likely to face stricter scrutiny from referees in this summer's matches.
Collina added: “Our referees will be well-prepared, so if this is a tactic, part of our referees' preparation is to know in advance what tactics teams will employ.”
"We have match analysts responsible for preparing and providing information to referees. If you know in advance, you can focus your attention where it may be needed," he explained.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) confirmed in a statement: “The IFAB has approved a clarification to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol for use at the 2026 FIFA World Cup regarding clear offences committed by the attacking team before the ball is in play at a corner kick or free kick that have a direct impact on a goal, penalty kick, or disciplinary sanction.”
“If the offence meets the criteria set out in the clarification, the VAR will recommend an on-field review, following which, if the referee determines that an offence occurred before the ball was in play, the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken and the corner kick or free kick will be retaken.”
