Collina Proposes End To Penalty Rebounds In Major Football Rule Shake-Up
Sports Updated: 13 November 2025 20:19 EAT
FIFA referee
FIFA’s head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, has called for a radical change to football’s penalty rules — proposing that rebounds from missed or saved penalties be scrapped entirely. Under his suggestion, if a penalty is not scored, play would immediately restart with a goal kick for the defending team.
The Italian referee legend believes the current system gives attackers an unfair advantage, noting that about 75 percent of penalties are already converted. “On top of that, the attacker is also given a chance to play the rebound off the goalkeeper. In my opinion, goalkeepers should be complaining,” Collina said during an interview cited by Football Italia.
His proposal has reportedly been presented to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the global body that determines the Laws of the Game, for potential consideration in future updates. If adopted, the rule would transform penalty situations into single-shot opportunities, similar to those seen in penalty shootouts.
While the idea has sparked debate among fans and analysts, Collina insists the change would bring more balance between attackers and goalkeepers. However, IFAB has not yet confirmed whether the proposal will move forward for testing or approval.
For now, penalties in open play will continue under the current rules, allowing rebounds — but discussions at the top level suggest the iconic moment of following up a saved penalty could soon be a thing of the past.
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FELIX MAKONA
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