IFAB announce changes to penalty kick laws

The International Football Association Board, in charge of setting the rules of the game, has ratified changes to penalty kick laws that will take effect from the start of the 2023/24 season on July 1, 2023. 

The amendments to the existing penalty rules were made to stop goalkeepers from gaining an unfair advantage by using unsportsmanlike antics to distract penalty kick-takers. 

The amendment has been dubbed “the Emiliano Martinez rule” in less formal circles after the Argentine goalkeeper helped his country to its first World Cup title since 1986 by employing provocative means to distract players during penalty shootouts. 

Argentina won two games via shootouts at the World Cup, beating the Netherlands in the quarterfinals and then France in the final to lift the trophy. 

In both penalty shootouts, Martinez was the hero, saving a total of three penalties in the shootouts. 

Following the tournament, Martinez received criticism for his provocative antics, and following a review of existing laws, IFAB has published amendments to the existing rules surrounding the behaviour of goalkeepers at penalties. 

The new changes specify actions that goalkeepers cannot perform, including touching the goalposts, crossbar, or net before the penalty kick is taken. 

The law now also clearly states that goalkeepers must not “behave in a way that unfairly distracts the kicker” the interpretation of which will most likely come down to the referees on a case-by-case basis. 

The explanation of the law goes on to state that “The goalkeeper must not behave in a manner that fails to show respect for the game and the opponent, i.e. by unfairly distracting the kicker.”

The new amendments will take effect from the start of the 2023/24 season, so goalkeepers in the meantime can do as many dances and touch the posts as they please.