LONDON (AP) — Accidental handballs in the buildup to a teammate scoring will no longer lead to the goal being ruled out, soccer’s lawmakers decided Friday.
The move by the International Football Association Board follows irritation in the game about how goals seem to be harshly ruled out.
“Accidental handball that leads to a teammate scoring a goal or having a goal-scoring opportunity will no longer be considered an offense,” IFAB said in a statement after a virtual meeting.
Referees are being urged to “use their judgment” when assessing the position of hands and arms when a ball hits them.