Scrapping rebounds from penalties being considered

Football lawmakers are considering radical proposals to eliminate penalty kick rebounds and expand VAR usage to cover corner decisions and second yellow cards. These ideas will be discussed at the next International Football Association Board (Ifab) meeting in March.

The most significant proposal would prevent penalty-takers and teammates from scoring on rebounds after goalkeeper saves. This change would have nullified goals like Harry Kane's rebound goal against Denmark in Euro 2020. Proponents argue teams already have sufficient advantage with penalties, and this would eliminate encroachment issues.

Ifab recently updated penalty rules following controversy during a Champions League match, clarifying that accidental double touches now result in retakes rather than disallowed goals. While support for further changes remains uncertain, any approved proposals could take effect by next summer's World Cup.

VAR expansion would allow overturning incorrectly awarded corners when the ball touches an attacking player last. Second yellow card interventions are considered more contentious due to their subjective nature, though Ifab generally favors VAR for clear objective situations.

Rule changes require approval from six of Ifab's eight voting members: FIFA holds four votes while the four British football associations each hold one vote.