The handball offense, as the name implies, is committed when a player intentionally touches the ball with their hand or arm. In other circumstances, kids will reach for the ball with their hands or arm.
Given the ambiguity of the phrase “deliberate,” the International Football Association Board (IFAB) modified the rule in 2019.
What exactly is the new handball rule?
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The new handball rule made all touches or movements of the player’s hand or towards the ball an offense, even if they were unintentional.
It also considered the player’s hand/arm position, as well as their touch and mobility.
In addition, if the hand/arm is away from the body line, a foul was called. And if the ball strikes a player whose physique has grown “unnaturally large.”
Similarly, it can occur if a player scores a goal or generates a chance after touching the ball with his or her arm/hand.
When a player falls and their hand/arm is laterally or vertically positioned, the opponent receives a free kick or a penalty kick. Only goalkeepers were exempt from the rule, and they were only exempt within the penalty area.
The legislation was introduced last year
Even though the regulation was introduced during the 2019-20 season, it was strictly enforced beginning with the 2020-21 seasons.
The first application of the new handball rule was seen during week 2 (September 2020) between Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
Similarly, Crystal Palace was awarded a penalty in the game because Victor Lindelof’s hand extended outside his “natural” silhouette. As a result, Palace scored three goals and won the game three to one. Many onlookers, as expected, objected to the verdict.
Fulham was just found guilty of a handball infraction. Fulham’s Josh Maja scored a goal, but the referee denied it. The VAR replay showed that the ball initially touched Mario Lemina’s arm.
Fulham was defeated by Tottenham by a single goal.
The handball incidents sparked controversies throughout the season from the start. Players, managers, and pundits all voiced hatred for the regulation, believing it is foolish and unfairly punishing players.
Football fans are also unenthusiastic about the regulation; many believe that, like VAR, undermines the beauty and rawness of the game.
Following all of the controversies and noticing the displeasure of the majority, in
In December of 2020. The proposal to alter the rule was received by the IFAB.
Similarly, IFAB lawmakers voted to alter the rule.
“Interpretation of Handball Incidents; not interpreted consistently.”
During their AGM on Friday, the Association Board made their decision on the rule public.
The following criteria, according to the new rule, ensure fouls:
- When a player tries to intentionally contact the ball.
- When a player enlarges their physique by moving their hands/arms deliberately.
In addition, if the unintentional handball immediately results in a goal, it is still an offense. If it occurs after the player has been touched or directly from the player’s hand.
It is not an offense, according to the new rules, when other teammates score a goal or create a scoring opportunity. If it is followed by an unintentional handball.
New “T-Shirt Line” Regulation
IFAB also addressed the offside during their Annual General Meeting (AGM). Even though the offside is quite obvious, problems exist and have become much more so since the introduction of VAR.
According to the IFAB’s interpretation, the bottom of the armpits of the player is the new “T-shirt line” and is ruled.
In addition, Wenger’s suggestion to change the offside rule is likely to be tested.
The test rule states that it is not offside if the attacking player’s playable body part is in line with the defender.
Similarly, lower-level Chinese football leagues will put it to the test. And if that makes the game more exciting, it will resort to official rule.
