FIFA are ready to put a stop to grappling at set-pieces ahead of this summer’s World Cup, and it could instantly make Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes less effective.
The Brazilian defender has become one of the best players in the opposition penalty area from corners, having netted several goals this season.
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Cann tells BBC Sport: "I feel that the time has come now for a law change whereby no attackers are allowed in the six-yard box before the corner is taken."
However, the Gunners’ corner tactics have been slammed many times this campaign, given the amount of grappling which goes on.
FIFA are now ready to put a stop to such behaviour in these situations, and it is not good news for some of the Gunners’ players.
FIFA set to make set-piece rule change after Arsenal controversy
FIFA are ready to introduce new rules giving referees greater power to penalise grappling inside the penalty area from corners, according to The Times.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, one FIFA official has pointed to the controversy surrounding Arsenal and set-pieces this season.
At the weekend, Callum Wilson’s equaliser against Arsenal was disallowed by VAR following a foul on David Raya, but there was also so much going on inside the penalty area.
The world football governing body wants to avoid the tournament being spoiled by such antics and are ready to give officials more control.
Arsenal fans be honest…are you FED UP of seeing the Gunners score from corners all the time?
In the Premier League, there has been so much emphasis on set-pieces that it has ruined the spectacle of the league.
Michael Owen called for a rule change after the weekend’s game at the London Stadium, and now changes are set to be introduced at the World Cup.
Gabriel Magalhaes will not be a fan of FIFA’s new rule
Gabriel is very unlikely to be a fan of FIFA’s new rule, given the amount he has benefited from chaos in the penalty area from corners.
The 28-year-old has netted 20 Premier League goals, with the majority of them coming from set-pieces.
Gabriel will always be a threat in these situations and a real weapon for the Gunners, but less grappling could impact his ability in these moments.
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