A major shake-up in football’s rules could see penalty rebounds completely removed from the game, as part of sweeping changes under review by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). If approved, the new rule could debut as early as the 2026 World Cup.Under the proposed change, if a penalty kick isn’t scored outright, play would not continue. Instead, a goal-kick would be awarded immediately to the defending team—cutting out the possibility of follow-up goals or scrambles in the box after a save or a shot off the post. The concept mirrors the one-shot format seen in sports like hockey.”There could be a radical change to penalties” 😳The International Football Association Board may consider increasing the powers of VAR to cover corner kicks and second yellow cards, as well as potentially scrapping rebound penalties, according to The Times 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/Wb7AMqZNyG— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 17, 2025 This would mark a dramatic shift from current practice, where players can capitalize on rebounds—moments like Harry Kane’s extra-time goal against Denmark at Euro 2020 or Xabi Alonso’s key strike during Liverpool’s famous 2005 Champions League final comeback would be erased under such a rule.The reasoning behind the change is to simplify penalty scenarios and eliminate grey areas around encroachment and positioning. Supporters of the proposal argue that goalkeepers are already at a disadvantage—required to keep at least one foot on the line—while attackers often gain an extra edge by reacting first to rebounds. Critics say this double jeopardy for defenders is unfair.If adopted, the penalty would be treated as a closed event: a goal if successful, a goal-kick if not. No corners, no retakes, no second bites at the cherry.##EDITORS_CHOICE##The idea is part of a broader effort by IFAB to modernize the game, especially with the 2026 World Cup expanding to 48 teams. Final decisions on any rule changes would need to be locked in by February to take effect in time.Alongside the penalty reform, IFAB is also exploring changes to VAR usage. Proposals include expanding video review to cover second yellow cards and corner decisions—though only in cases where there’s a clear and unfair error that can be quickly resolved without stalling the game.##NAJAVA_MECA_9019172##
