The FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG) delivered this message during a pre-World Cup press conference on 11/5. Referees have been instructed to closely monitor contact situations within the penalty area, particularly during set pieces.

Pascal Zuberbuhler, a former Switzerland goalkeeper and head of the TSG, noted that events in this season's Premier League reveal a new trend FIFA must address from the outset of the 2026 World Cup. "What is happening in the Premier League, particularly with Arsenal, has certainly become a trend," he stated. "However, I believe our World Cup will feature the best referees, and they will play a key role in managing such situations."

Defender Gabriel Magalhaes scored Arsenal's opening goal with a header in their Premier League round 19 victory over Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium, London, on 30/12/2025. *Reuters*.

The TSG head acknowledged the difficulty in observing grappling and shirt-pulling during set pieces. A minor foul on a goalkeeper, amidst numerous surrounding players, can easily be missed by a referee.

Controversy erupted following Arsenal's 1-0 victory over West Ham last weekend. In second-half stoppage time, West Ham believed they had equalized with a Callum Wilson goal. However, VAR ruled that defender Pablo Felipe fouled goalkeeper David Raya during a corner kick challenge, leading to the goal's disallowance and a strong reaction from West Ham.

West Ham announced plans to file a formal complaint with the refereeing committee, seeking clarification on the VAR decision. The club requested access to the full audio conversation between head referee Chris Kavanagh and the VAR team.

This season, Arsenal has emerged as a new symbol of set-piece effectiveness. Mikel Arteta's squad has scored 21 goals from corner kicks and free kicks, attributed to meticulously prepared routines and the aerial prowess of center-backs such as William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.

West Ham's disallowed goal late in their Premier League round 37 match against Arsenal at London Stadium, England, on 10/5. *Screenshot*.

Gilberto Silva, a former midfielder and another TSG member, also acknowledged Arsenal's transformation of set pieces into a potent weapon. "It's interesting that over the past few years, corner kicks and long balls weren't as frequently utilized in English football as they were during my playing days," the former Arsenal midfielder observed. "Set pieces have become an effective weapon for Arsenal."

However, the 2002 World Cup winner believes this trend is unlikely to be replicated at the national team level. Clubs have an entire season to practice numerous corner kick routines, whereas national teams typically have only a few weeks of preparation before a tournament.

"I am not certain the World Cup will unfold similarly, as national teams lack extensive preparation time for such tournaments," he added. "While this tactic can certainly be employed, and teams should utilize it, it is unlikely to serve as a primary strategy."

In addition to FIFA, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) will also review regulations concerning penalty area contests following the 2026 World Cup. According to The Times, proposals have surfaced, including prohibiting attacking players from occupying the 5,5-meter area before a corner kick is taken, specifically to protect goalkeepers.

FIFA intends for the 2026 World Cup to establish a new benchmark for managing contact during set pieces. The TSG announced it will analyze all 104 matches of the tournament to assess tactical trends, officiating, and the impact of VAR.

By Hoang An (Source: Independent)