FIFA has no intention of implementing new regulations to tackle the rising concern of grappling and holding during corner kicks, as the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has indicated that the issue is “not getting worse.”
The increasing physicality at corners has become a prominent feature of Premier League matches, with players often seen forcefully grappling, blocking, shoving, and obstructing goalkeepers before the ball is even delivered into the penalty area.
Liverpool coach Arne Slot remarked that the Premier League is becoming “no joy to watch” because of the situation surrounding corners. Similarly, Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens mentioned after his team’s recent 1-0 victory over Everton, which involved 10 corners for the home team, that he felt compelled to “stand behind my line in order to come out” due to the grappling occurring in the six-yard box.
Leading the Premier League, Arsenal has netted 16 goals directly from corners this season, matching the all-time Premier League record, yet they have faced criticism for their aggressive tactics during these set pieces.
However, after an IFAB summit in Cardiff over the weekend, which confirmed new measures aimed at reducing time-wasting during throw-ins and goal kicks, the subject of physicality at corners was not considered pressing enough for intervention.
“It wasn’t something we specifically discussed,” stated Ian Maxwell, CEO of the Scottish FA and IFAB member. “Whether there’s been a change in this type of behavior during matches, those trends can vary throughout a season, but I’m not convinced it’s necessarily worsening.”
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As per the laws of the game, the ball is not in play until a set piece is executed, which means referees cannot call fouls until the game is active.
Nonetheless, Maxwell emphasized that officials can still enforce the Laws once the ball is in play. “It’s certainly within the protocol, as grappling at a corner could potentially lead to a penalty,” he explained. “So this can be addressed under the current protocol.”