FIFA, the international governing body for football, has been known to make rule adjustments over the years. These changes have often followed the introduction of new technologies like VAR (Video Assistant Referee), which has given referees more discretion in interpreting controversial plays. Now, another significant shift could be on the horizon as FIFA's head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, is reportedly considering a game-changing rule that would eliminate penalty rebounds.
Penalties are one of the harshest punishments a team can face in football. Spot kicks are converted roughly 76% of the time, providing an almost certain scoring opportunity for the attacking side. However, under a new proposal being considered by Collina and his team at FIFA, goalkeepers could be rewarded for saving a penalty with their team regaining possession immediately after a stop.
According to BBC Sport reports, Collina supports removing penalty rebounds during open play. His reasoning is simple: if an attacking team fails to convert such a clear scoring chance initially and it should not be allowed subsequent attempts if either goalkeeper saves or shot strikes post.
Major shift towards defending teams
The proposed rule represents a major shift towards defending teams who already bear penalties' brunt. If adopted globally across all leagues and tournaments under FIFA's purview - any rebound from missed or saved spot kick would result in play restarting with goalkeeper possession - marking complete departure from current system.
This change would significantly alter how teams approach penalties and potentially reduce scoring opportunities during matches—making each penalty kick even more critical than before. In recent years there have been several notable changes to football rules including one introduced by International Football Association Board (IFAB) for 2025-26 season regarding double touches on penalties following the controversial disallowed goal of Julian Álvarez in UEFA Champions League match.
As we look towards the 2026 World Cup, it remains to be seen whether further adjustments will be made, particularly within the penalty area. The proposed rule change on penalty rebounds is just one of many potential changes that could reshape football's landscape in coming years. While these changes may seem drastic to some fans and players alike, they are part of FIFA's ongoing efforts to ensure fair play and maintain football's integrity. As always, the ultimate goal is to create a game that is enjoyable for both players and spectators around the world.
