The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has confirmed it has no plans to amend the Laws of the Game regarding physical conduct at corner kicks.
Despite growing frustration over aggressive grappling, shoving, and goalkeeper crowding in the penalty area, IFAB members concluded at their recent summit that the problem is “not getting worse” and therefore does not warrant immediate regulatory intervention.
This decision arrives as Premier League leaders Arsenal face intense scrutiny for their set-piece dominance, having equaled the all-time record of 16 goals from corners this season.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot recently lamented the trend, stating, “My football heart doesn’t like it,” and arguing that the prevalence of these physical dead-ball routines has made modern top-flight matches less of a “joy to watch.”
While referees cannot whistle for fouls before the ball is in play, IFAB member Ian Maxwell reminded clubs that officials retain full authority to penalize illegal contact once the ball is delivered.
“It’s obviously in the protocol because it would effectively be a penalty potentially if there’s grappling at a corner,” Maxwell noted, maintaining that current protocols are sufficient to manage these physical “dark arts” during matches.