FIFA’s referees chief Pierluigi Collina has emphasised that referees and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will closely monitor attacking players who deliberately impede defenders or goalkeepers, warning that such tactics will be punished during the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to ESPN.
His remarks followed the disallowance of a goal for four-time champions Germany in their unexpected Round of 32 defeat to Paraguay. Defender Jonathan Tah appeared to have scored the decisive goal in extra time on Monday, but the goal was ruled out after VAR intervention determined that his teammate Waldemar Anton had fouled Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill in the buildup.
Though video replays showed only slight contact as Anton pushed Gill to the ground, the decision was met with criticism by some observers. Germany ultimately lost the match in a penalty shootout, with Tah missing the decisive spot-kick by sending it over the crossbar.
Collina told ESPN: “Although keeping a position is not a foul per se, when an attacking player is not interested in the ball and deliberately moves, even marginally, with the clear intention of obstructing opponents’ movement and prevents him from defending, then referees, and VAR when needed, should carefully analyze the incident and intervene.”
He added that particular attention would be given to cases where attackers attempt to impede goalkeepers from defending: “This is especially the case when the tactic aims to prevent the opposing goalkeeper from being able to defend the goal. Coaches and players were informed so it should come as no surprise that referees will punish these fouls. These measures have all been very effective and unanimously considered as very positive innovations.”