FIFA and IFAB reject calls for law changes to stop corner-kick grappling

FIFA has confirmed it has no plans to change the Laws of the Game in response to concerns about grappling and holding at corners.

The issue has become a growing talking point across the Premier League , where set pieces are increasingly physical.

Clubs have adopted aggressive blocking and grappling tactics inside the six-yard box before deliveries are made.

Arsenal have been at the centre of the debate after scoring 16 Premier League goals directly from corners this season, equalling the competition’s single-season record.

Their effectiveness from set pieces has drawn both praise and criticism for the physical nature of their routines.

However, the game’s lawmakers at International Football Association Board do not believe the situation requires immediate reform.

Speaking after an IFAB summit in Cardiff, Scottish FA chief executive and board member Ian Maxwell said the issue was not considered to be worsening.

“It wasn’t something that we specifically talked about,” Maxwell explained.

He added that while grappling incidents occur over the course of a season, there is no evidence the behaviour is escalating.

Under current regulations, the ball is not in play until the corner is taken.

That technicality means referees cannot award a foul before the restart, although they can penalise offences once the ball is active.

Maxwell stressed that officials already have the authority to act within the existing framework.

“If there’s grappling at a corner, it can be assessed,” he said, noting that such incidents could lead to penalties.

The debate has intensified after managers and players voiced frustration.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot recently claimed Premier League matches are no longer a “joy to watch” because of the heavy reliance on set pieces.

Goalkeepers have also complained about being crowded or obstructed during corner situations.

Despite those concerns, IFAB’s position suggests any short-term changes will focus on guidance rather than formal law amendments.

Referees will continue to interpret and apply the current rules on holding and blocking.

For now, the governing bodies are satisfied that the existing laws are sufficient to manage physical contests at corners.

The responsibility remains with match officials to enforce them consistently.