FIFA tells UEFA proposal to change handball to be assessed

Posted November 06, 2020 6:00 am

By ROB HARRIS

FILE - In this file photo dated Tuesday, March 3, 2020, FIFA President Gianni Infantino addresses a meeting of European soccer leaders at the congress of the UEFA governing body in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Infantino has tested positive for COVID-19, and according to a statement FIFA says Infantino 'has reported mild symptoms, has immediately placed himself in self-isolation and will remain in quarantine at least for ten days.' (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, FILE) The Associated Press

UEFA's proposal to change the handball law to prevent unfair decisions damaging the sport will be assessed by world football's rulemaking body, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in correspondence seen by The Associated Press.

Responding to a letter from UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, Infantino said FIFA was striving for 'œfairness, consistency and transparency'ť with the on-field regulations that are deliberated over intensely.

Ceferin had written to Infantino last week seeking a return to the pre-2019 law that allowed referees to judge whether handling was intentional or accidental and prevent the current spate of 'œmany unfair decisions."

Ceferin was sent a reply after his request to FIFA was obtained by the AP on Thursday, with assurances received that the UEFA suggestion will be discussed by the International Football Association Board meetings this month.

'œThis is not the first time this rule has been the focus of discussion and I believe that it will not be the last time,'ť Infantino wrote to Ceferin. 'œI for one believe that the intensity of debate over this particular area of the game illustrates well the passion for our sport and the subtleties that make it so compelling.'ť

The change to the law from 2019 determined that an offense was committed if players' arms were outstretched, in an unnatural position, when hit by a ball.

'œThere is no shame in admitting that sometimes decisions that are made for the good do not achieve their objectives and should be reviewed,'ť Ceferin said in last week's letter to Infantino.

The configuration of the laws is overseen by the International Football Association Board. FIFA controls half of the eight IFAB votes and the English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish associations hold the other four.

Infantino told Ceferin that his proposal has been forwarded 'œto the relevant teams within the FIFA administration and have requested that it be made known to IFAB and that it be presented to the relevant bodies.'ť

IFAB technical and football advisory panels meet this month ahead of the 134th IFAB annual general meeting early next year. Infantino told Ceferin he had been reliably informed that 'œhandball as referenced in your letter will be included on the agenda.'ť

'œAs you have correctly pointed out,'ť Infantino said, 'œour focus should not only be directed towards considering the potential of changes proposed but also towards considering the efficacy of changes made.'ť

Changes are advocated by Frank Lampard, whose Chelsea side benefited from a harsh handball ruling in a Champions League win over Rennes on Wednesday.

'œIt's a rule that I think universally is disliked by anyone who plays, watches or supports football,'ť the Chelsea manager said on Friday.

___

More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Porto players call out a hand ball by Manchester City's Sergio Aguero during the Champions League group C soccer match between Manchester City and FC Porto at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020. (Paul Ellis/Pool via AP) The Associated Press

A referee watches an incident on the VAR screen before awarding a penalty to Chelsea during the Champions League Group E soccer match between Chelsea and Rennes at Stamford Bridge, London, England, Wednesday Nov. 4, 2020. (Ben Stansall/Pool via AP) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers MLS Pro Sports Soccer Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.