Pascal Zuberbühler, head of FIFA's technical study group, said that World Cup referees can handle the increasing amount of grappling in the penalty area.
Previously, West Ham United sought an explanation from senior officials of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited regarding the disallowed equalizing goal by Wilson against Arsenal in stoppage time . The goal was disallowed because Pablo was deemed to have fouled Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya first. The Hammers pointed out that at the moment Bowen took the corner kick, several Arsenal players were closely pulling and hugging.
Although referee Chris Kavanagh's decision was supported by English football legends such as Rooney, the head of the FIFA expert group said that for such penalty area grappling behavior, FIFA executives hope that the referees of this World Cup can actively intervene and decisively penalize.
Pascal Zuberbühler, head of the FIFA Technical Study Group and former Swiss goalkeeper, said: "We have seen this, especially in the Premier League with Arsenal. This has become a trend. But I believe that in our World Cup, with the best referees from around the world, they will be key to handling this type of situation."
"We know it will be difficult for the referees. There are many small fouls against the goalkeeper in the penalty area, and the referee has to judge between many players. Although it is not easy to do this, I am very confident that we have the best referees and we will handle this type of situation properly. Obviously, we need to be vigilant from the beginning."
It is reported that relevant personnel from the International Football Association Board may re-examine the new rules to rectify excessive pulling and hugging on the field, but the relevant adjustment plan will be promoted and implemented after this World Cup. This means that in this World Cup, only the referees selected by FIFA can strictly implement the relevant penalty standards issued by FIFA.