FIFA Rule Change: FIFA did hint that they would change rules for goalkeepers after many people around the world started criticizing the mind games of Emi Martinez during the World Cup. He didn’t only manage to rattle the opposition players, but he also made the important saves that eventually led to Argentina winning the World Cup. IFAB has since changed rules for goalkeepers saying no to any mind games that can distract the penalty takers. Follow Football News Updates on InsideSport.IN.
The new rules for goalkeepers during the penalty shoot-out say that from July 1, 2023, they can’t taunt or distract the penalty-takers in any way. They have specified the things that will goalkeepers won’t be allowed to do –
- No touching the nets or the goalposts
- Distract the penalty-taker in any unfair way
- Delay the penalty kick
- Demonstrate disrespectful behavior towards the penalty-taker
During the FIFA World Cup 2022, the final match between Argentina and France went into penalty shoot-outs. Penalty shoot-outs can be a test of nerves for both the goalkeeper and the penalty taker. In this case, Emi Martinez had his own tricks up his sleeves and he brought out all of them during the penalty shoot-out.
Emi Martinez started by arriving at the penalty spot before anyone else making it his home and everyone else guests to his place. He first shook hands with both opponent goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and striker Kylian Mbappe. He told the referee twice to check if the balls were positioned right before the penalty was taken.
Goalkeepers usually don’t celebrate in a large manner before the end of the entire penalty shoot-out. However, Martinez did exactly that as he celebrated exuberantly and even did a little dance after saving a penalty. Before France’s third penalty from Tchouaméni, he took away the ball, delayed the kick as he threw away the ball and the referee didn’t retaliate. He even flashed a smile and sure enough, Tchouaméni missed.
🚨 BREAKING: From July 1st, IFAB rule changes have prevented goalkeepers from taunting during penalties.
• GKs cannot touch goalposts & nets 🥅
• Delay execution of penalty ⏰
• Unfairly distract the taker 👀
• Behaviours that fail to show respect 😤 pic.twitter.com/R6y1667ekT— Barstool Football (@StoolFootball) March 25, 2023
By France’s fourth penalty, they had already missed two penalties and as Kolo Muani approached to take his own penalty, Martinez tried to communicate with the player, and he finally received the yellow from the referee. However, by then he had succeeded and this led Argentina to their third World Cup trophy.
While many people criticized these antics, many people also wondered how these would change the way penalties are taken. It seems that it did change as IFAB took the ultimate measures. However, the reactions from the fans are quite contrasting as many are applauding the move. However, many have also said that mind games are a part of the game. They are pointing out that if goalkeepers are not allowed these antics, then penalty takers also shouldn’t be allowed to take a feint run or stutter step before taking penalties.
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