Premier League managers write to FIFA asking to change handball rule

Premier League bosses have contacted FIFA, asking for the controversial handball rule to change.

The new ruling states any contact between hand and ball in an attacking phase of play is deemed to be an offence.

A number of goals have been reviewed by VAR in recent weeks and subsequently disallowed despite obvious non-intentional contact.

West Ham midfielder Declan Rice was harshly penalised during his side's defeat to Sheffield United last week.

Wolves were also angered after Pedro Neto's goal was ruled out against Manchester United in their FA Cup third-round replay this week after the ball struck Raul Jimenez in the build-up.

The League Managers' Association has written to FIFA listing instances where goals have been harshly ruled out after VAR intervention.

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo led the calls for the review of the current ruling.

Nuno said: “The handball rule is going to be reviewed that's for sure. Managers, players, fans have all seen that it's not okay. The message is so clear and so loud about the handball rule.”

He added: “The fans are the most important people in all this and the fans aren't happy. That's a bad sign.”

Pundit Michael Owen also hit out, stating: "This new handball rule is an absolute joke

"People will moan about VAR but that’s rubbish. VAR did it’s job. It’s the rule change that is b******s.

"Can somebody explain the rules to these people interviewing players. And to the players themselves."