FOOTBALL REFORMS

The International Football Association Board is to discuss a proposal to scrap 45 minute halves.

IFAB which is responsible for making football laws say matches are played effectively for about 60 minutes of the 90 hence the proposal to cut the halves to 30 minutes with the clock stopped whenever the ball goes out of play.

This is one of the several ideas to be discussed.

The players will also not be allowed to follow up on a penalty and score if it is saved. If the goalkeeper saves a penalty kick then a goal kick will be awarded.

Stadium clock is to be linked to the referees watch. Players are to be allowed pass to themselves or dribble a ball when a free-kick is to be taken.

IFAB has released a document called “Play Fair strategy” which seeks to improve player behavior and increase respect, increase playing time and increase fairness and attractiveness.

Former English referee David Elleray is IFAB’s technical director and he said that referees, coaches and fans all agree that improving player behavior and respect for all participants and especially match officials, increasing playing time and the games fairness and attractiveness must be football’s main priority.

The proposal contains the ABBA which involves changing the order of kick-taking in penalty shoot-outs, already tried in the Under-20 world cup this year.

But is this what football really needs? The current rules should be enforced by the referees instead of them being changed because of dirty tactics by teams and players. Maybe they should just leave the beautiful game alone this time.