The leader of FIFA’s Technical Study Group has warned that World Cup referees will be watching closely for foul play at corners and set-pieces, following a series of Premier League incidents
Referees will have their eyes peeled for any dirty play at corners and other set-pieces during this summer’s World Cup, the head of FIFA’s Technical Study Group has cautioned.
Goals from set-pieces have been one of the defining features of this Premier League season, with pushing and wrestling to defend and attack them becoming a major talking point once again following the decision to rule out a West Ham goal against Arsenal on Sunday for a foul by Pablo Felipe on Gunners goalkeeper David Raya.
Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva, a TSG member, is uncertain whether it will be quite as prominent at the World Cup, given that national sides don’t have sufficient time to rehearse routines as effectively as his former club.
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Regardless, the TSG’s chief, former Switzerland goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuhler, insists referees will be keeping a close watch for any violations at corners and free-kicks.
“What has happened, especially in the Premier League with Arsenal, this is a trend, yes, but I am sure for our World Cup, we have the best referees there, and the referees will be a key part on these situations,” Zuberbuhler said.
“It’s difficult for the referees because a little foul on the goalkeeper, and with so many people around you, it’s not easy to see this, but I’m sure we at FIFA have the best referees anyway and we will deal with this in a very good way.
“But it’s clear, we need to be aware from the beginning.”
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The TSG will deliver analysis from all 104 matches at the tournament in North America in a bid to broaden and enhance the understanding of the sport across the globe.
Gilberto was quizzed on whether any national side could replicate the same level of threat from set-pieces that his former club have showcased.
“It’s interesting because the last few years, corner kicks and long balls was not something used in English football, compared to the time when I played there,” said the Brazilian, who turned out for Arsenal between 2002 and 2008.
“This season Arsenal have scored so many goals from set-pieces. This became something very special, a strong weapon for them, and they took advantage.
“They have got the players to do that – the two centre-backs (William) Saliba and Gabriel and some other players, they have done so great.
“I’m not so sure if the World Cup is going to be the same way, because you don’t have so much time to prepare the team for these tournaments. Of course it’s a weapon that can be used, and they have to use this, but not as a main one.”
