Football set for huge shake-up with two key law changes

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

The laws of football could be set for a huge shake-up with rebounds from penalty kicks potentially being abolished.

The International FA Board also want the handball rule to be revamped following calls for clarification on awards for some time.

The game's lawmakers are keen for spot-kicks to be one shot only - meaning the ball would instantly go dead if the penalty isn't converted, according to the Telegraph.

That means there would be no second chance for the likes of Manchester United's Paul Pogba, whose kick was saved by Everton's Jordan Pickford last Sunday before the Frenchman converted from the follow-up.

The most complex change being put forward is the possible removal of the word “deliberately” when it comes to handball inside or outside the box.

There has been a groundswell of support for a more rounded rule and total clarification for some time.

Law 12 stated that a free-kick or penalty is awarded if a player “handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area)”.

The wording could be changed with the game often torn between exactly what is deliberate and what isn't.

It's previously been reported that the IFA board could declare war on time-wasting 'cheats' with a ban on substitutions in injury-time.

Another idea suggested is for players to leave the pitch by walking to the closest touchline - and not back to their bench.

It is suggested a meeting in London early next week could decide if the IFA board take these suggestions to a vote in March.

Football's top brass would then vote in their AGM and if given the green light the rulebook could be re-written for next season.

The panel features the four home associations, which have one vote each, and FIFA, which has four votes.

Law changes require at least six votes but next week’s meeting is only to decide what to take forward to the AGM.