FIFA is considering a rule change for penalty shootouts in the upcoming World Cup knockout stages, aiming to introduce a more equitable system for coin tosses. The proposed amendment would involve a single coin toss to determine both which team shoots first and which end the penalties are taken at.
This potential change is being discussed with the International Football Association Board (Ifab), the sport's law-making body, and could be implemented before the tournament's last-32 stage begins on Sunday. The initiative stems from concerns that the current system, which involves two separate coin tosses, may place one team at a disadvantage.
The current procedure allows for one coin toss to decide who takes the first penalty, and a second to determine which goal is used. This dual toss was highlighted as a potential issue in the Champions League final last month, where Arsenal reportedly faced a disadvantage against Paris Saint-Germain. In that match, the team that won both coin tosses was perceived to have an advantage.
Under the proposed new rule, the winner of the initial coin toss would also get to decide which end the penalties are taken at, thereby eliminating the need for a second toss. FIFA's objective is to enhance fairness and prevent similar perceived disadvantages in crucial penalty shootouts during the World Cup.