ON A BUS IN NORTHERN FRANCE -- The strict enforcement of goalkeeper encroachment during the 2019 Women's World Cup has prompted a mid-tournament rule change.
The International Football Association Board approved a request from FIFA to temporarily stop giving yellow cards to goalkeepers who take their foot off the goal line prior to a penalty kick. Previous yellow cards given during the group stage will stand.
The use of Video Assistant Referees (VARs) for the first time in the Women's World Cup has led to controversial penalty kick retakes that have changed the outcomes of games.
Law 10 of the game states that "if the goalkeeper commits an offense and, as a result, the kick is retaken, the goalkeeper must be cautioned.