Arsenal win again: FIFA refuse to change corner-kick laws despite ‘dark arts’ outcry

FIFA have no plans to change the way set-pieces are being officiated after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) said the problem is "not getting worse."

Despite the growing trend of grappling, blocking, and crowding out goalkeepers, tactics that have helped Arsenal equal the all-time Premier League record of 16 goals from corners this season, the IFAB summit in Cardiff concluded that the situation is not out of control.

The decision comes as a blow to rival managers who have been vocal in their frustration.

Liverpool coach Arne Slot recently lamented that the Premier League is no longer a "joy to watch" due to the unregulated wrestling matches in the six-yard box. The Reds boss openly remenisced about the Barcelona team of the early 2010s, and how enjoyable that brand of football was.

While Arsenal’s set-piece routines have been criticised as "dark arts," Scottish FA CEO and IFAB member Ian Maxwell dismissed the need for immediate legislative intervention.

"It wasn't something that we specifically talked about," Maxwell said.

"Whether there's been a change in that type of behaviour during matches, those things happen over the course of a season, but I'm not sure it's necessarily getting worse."

A major loophole remains: because the ball is not in play until the corner is taken, referees cannot technically whistle for a foul during the pre-delivery shoving match.

However, Maxwell was quick to remind clubs that once the ball moves, the rules apply.

"It's obviously in the protocol because it would effectively be a penalty potentially if there's grappling at a corner," Maxwell noted. "So within the current protocol, that can be assessed."