New Controversial Penalty Rules Set to Be Introduced After Emi Martinez World Cup Antics

• Goalkeepers will now have to contend with new rules while dealing with penalties
• The new rules will bar goalkeepers from doing a couple of things, including distracting the opponent
• Emi Martinez's theatrics in the World Cup are believed to be the main reason why the new rules have been created

Goalkeepers are now set to have more difficulty when facing penalty kicks with a new set of rules to be introduced from July 1st.

The rules are believed to have been necessitated by Emi Martinez, after the goalkeeper's antics during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Part of Martinez's success in saving spot-kicks stems down from his ability to rile up opponents. He did so with much success in the World Cup final against France, with Aurelien Tchouameni and Kingsley Coman missing their efforts.

New penalty rules

However, all this is set to change after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) passed on new rules to be effected later this year.

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According to the new guidelines, the goalkeeper will now not be allowed to behave in a manner that fails to show respect to the game, i.e, by distracting the opponent.

The goalkeeper will be required to remain on his/her goal line and not touch the net, posts or crossbar before the penalty is taken. The custodians will also be barred from delaying the execution of the penalty.

Should the goalkeeper save the penalty, he or she will also now be barred from displaying behaviours that don't show respect which could include various celebrations.

Mike Maignan reacts

The new rules have elicited sharp reactions, with France's new number 1 Mike Maignan offering a sarcastic response to the rules.

"New IFAB rules for penalties in 2026:

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Goalkeepers must have their backs to the shot

❌ In case of stoppage, indirect free kick."

The rules are deemed unfair already

This comes at a time when penalty kicks continue to be heavily lopsided on the side of goalkeepers. A goalkeeper is currently required to have one of his feet on the line before the penalty is taken.

A penalty is usually retaken if the goalkeeper moved one of his feet from the line and saved the penalty. This rule doesn't take into consideration the stutters the penalty takers take before eventually hitting the ball.

With the penalty often a game of wits, it would be interesting to see how goalkeepers will now attempt to put off their opponents.

The new rules come into play on July 1st.

Why Havertz's penalty was disallowed

Sports Brief had earlier reported that Chelsea ace Kai Havertz saw his goal for Germany against Peru ruled out due to a rare football rule.

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Germany took on Peru in a friendly on Saturday, March 25 and the game had an interesting incident involving Havertz.

The Chelsea man seems to have a poor relationship with penalties, as he recently also made headlines for a spot-kick against Borussia Dortmund.