The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for the laws of the game, will introduce stricter measures to ensure goalkeepers do not unfairly distract players from taking penalty kicks.
Although no changes will be made to any laws, there will be adjustments to the wording that will draw the referees’ attention to the need to deal with any unacceptable and unfair behaviour.
The changes are set to be made at IFAB’s AGM in London on March 4.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez successfully put off a number of France players during the World Cup final penalty shootout by repeatedly kicking the ball away and delaying their efforts. He was eventually booked in the game by referee Szymon Marciniak.
Following the exhilarating 3-3 draw between Argentina and France in the final, it was the South Americans who went on to lift the trophy after defeating the 2018 champions 4-2 on penalties.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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