Video Assistant Referees in the Premier League this season will not rule on a goalkeeper's position on penalties.
VAR will be used in the league for the first time from August, but referee chiefs have made the call that the technology will be not be used in decisions on a goalkeeper's position for penalties, and will instead be left to the on-field officials to decide.
The clarification comes following the controversial decision made by the video assistant referee during Scotland's game against Argentina in the Women's World Cup on Wednesday night.
Shelley Kerr's side were ultimately knocked out of the competition as a result of the call, with their keeper, Lee Alexander, originally saving an Argentine spot kick only for VAR to order the kick to be retaken on the basis that she did not have one foot on the line.
According to The Times , The Professional Games Match Officials Limited, the organisation which manages referees in England's top flight, has decided that the technology will only be used regarding a penalty if the player taking it double-hits the ball, if the kicker feigns at the point of the kick or if there's an encroachment that has a direct impact on the outcome of the penalty.
The publication is also reporting that the view among leading officials in the game is that the law change by the International FA Board has created an issue that was not a problem in the first place.
The law states: "The goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot on/in line with the goal line when the kick is taken; cannot stand behind the line."
IFAB's explanation of the law adds: "Goalkeepers are not permitted to stand in front of or behind the line. Allowing the goalkeeper to have only one foot touching the goal line (or, if jumping, in line with the goal line) when the penalty kick is taken is a more practical approach as it is easier to identify if both feet are not on the line.
"As the kicker can 'stutter' in the run, it is reasonable that the goalkeeper can take one step in anticipation of the kick.”
Fans will be able to see VAR in action for the first time in the Premier League on the opening weekend of the campaign, starting with Liverpool's game against Norwich City on Friday, August 9.
Henryrukis
53
England are perfect when it comes to corruption. they might as well program VAR to avoid offside goals.but I think the var technology would make the game more controversial
Wenbo
47
The way the rule was used in the France-Nigeria women world cup was ridiculous. Fine it seems the goal keeper moved before the kick, but the penalty taker missed the target completely. The goalkeeper did not make the safe & the decision should have been a goal kick rather than a re-take of the penalty. VAR is not foolproof at all & will still favour a few teams over others as it is still the referee's final decision
JontePantaRonte
45
VAR would be a benefit for Arsenal, I think VAR can make arsenal finish top 4. It's just to admit it, Arsenal have been robbed sometimes which could have cost a top 4 spot.
lukzlat910
42
😪😪😪 I see this as a win and loss VAR is supposed to be there to clear things up and not cause controversies and dramas but it's actually doubling these dramas.....I hope the EPL referees will be smart enough when they refer to VAR
moyaeilmrz
38
The VAR rule on goalkeeper positioning/movement during a penalty in this women's world cup is BS. If the taker scores; goalkeeper moves before or not is not a question but if he missed or kept out, VAR reviews