Legendary referee Pierluigi Collina calls for major penalty rule change

Legendary former referee Pierluigi Collina has proposed a major penalty-kick shake-up which would no doubt have the support of goalkeepers around the world. The current rules, those relating to normal time, dictate that the attacking team can still score on the rebound should the penalty taker fail to convert their initial effort. It is, of course, a different story altogether when it comes to the dreaded shootout, where takers only have one opportunity to make their mark from 12 yards.

Speaking to La Repubblica, Collina put forward the case for a ‘one-shot rule’ to be introduced across the board, arguing that goalkeepers ‘should be complaining’ about the current laws. ‘On average, 75 per cent of penalties are already scored, and often, the penalty kick is a bigger chance than the one taken away by the foul,’ the iconic 64-year-old told the Italian newspaper. ‘On top of that, the attacker is also given a chance to play the rebound off the goalkeeper. In my opinion, goalkeepers should be complaining.

‘I’ve already mentioned this in discussions we’ve had at IFAB (International Football Association Board).’. Collina, widely considered to be among the finest officials in history,added: ‘One solution is the one-shot rule. Just like in penalty shootouts after extra-time. ‘No rebound. Either you score or play resumes with a goal kick, period. ‘This would also eliminate the spectacle we see before a penalty is taken, with everyone crowding around the area. It looks like horses at the starting gates before the Palio di Siena.’.

Collina began his refereeing career in the Italian Serie C1 in 1988 and rapidly rose through the ranks to establish himself among the most recognisable faces in world football. In 2002, Collina was given the honour of refereeing the World Cup final between Brazil and Germany in Japan. The Italian also took charge of one of the most memorable Champions League finals of all time in 1999, when Manchester United completed a stunning late comeback to seal a historic treble.

Since his retirement two decades ago, Collina has taken on high-profile roles with the Italian Football Referees Association, the Football Federation of Ukraine and the UEFA Referees Committee. He has also worked as the president of the FIFA Referees Committee for the past eight years. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.