AC Milan and France goalkeeper Maignan mocks new IFAB penalty rule changes

France’s new No. 1 goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, has openly mocked IFAB’s latest amendments to the laws guiding goalkeepers’ involvement in penalty kicks. 

IFAB announced changes to existing laws on penalties that will now prevent goalkeepers from playing mind games by delaying penalty kicks, touching the frame of the goalpost, or touching the net. 

This new amendment comes in tow with already limiting rules in penalties as far as the goalkeepers are concerned, with the men between the sticks already prevented from leaving their lines as they are required to have at least one foot on the line throughout the penalty kick. 

IFAB’s new decree, set to take effect from the start of next season, has come under widespread criticism over its limiting nature, and Maignan has taken to Twitter to air his grievances, with the AC Milan goalkeeper making a mockery of the legislature. 

Maignan quoted a tweet explaining the 2023 rule update, saying “New IFAB penalty rules 2026: Goalkeepers must have their backs to the shot. If the penalty is saved, the opposition gets an indirect freekick.”

The open swipe at IFAB’s rule update reflects how a number of goalkeepers and football fans feel about the latest changes which many believe will make penalties a foregone conclusion, rather than an intense battle between taker and goalkeeper.