Pierluigi Collina

Pierluigi Collina Proposes Major Penalty Kick Reform to Support Goalkeepers

FIFA referees committee chairman Pierluigi Collina is pushing for a transformative change to penalty kicks in open play, suggesting a one-shot rule that would eliminate rebounds and grant a goal kick to the defending team if the kick is saved or missed. Speaking to BBC Sport, the Italian icon criticized the current system for favoring attackers, noting a 75-76% success rate for penalties and additional rebound opportunities that yield nearly three goals per season.

“I believe there is an excessive gap between the opportunities available to the attacker and those of the goalkeeper,” Collina said. “On average, 75% of penalties are already scored… 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.” He compared players crowding the box to “horses at the starting gate” before Italy’s Palio di Siena, arguing the rule would simplify and declutter the process.

The single-shot proposal, akin to penalty shootouts, has been raised at IFAB meetings, where FIFA holds four of eight votes needed for approval. Changes wouldn’t take effect until after the 2026 World Cup, preserving moments like Harry Kane’s Euro 2020 semi-final rebound goal against Denmark, which would be invalid under the rule.

FIFA IFAB Meeting

While the reform could enhance fairness and reduce box congestion, some worry it might sap the thrill from football’s high-stakes moments. Collina, a six-time world’s best referee and 2002 World Cup final official, continues to influence the sport through UEFA and FIFA. Will this shift empower keepers or dim the game’s drama? The discussion intensifies.