It's a topic that has been continually talked about since it's more in-depth implementation back in 2020, but will the rules differ during the biggest international tournament in the world?
Over the years, the World Cup has seen a number of infamous handballs. From Maradona's 'hand of God' back in 1986, to Luis Suarez's goal-line clearance against Ghana in the quarterfinals in 2010.
And whilst those moments have helped shape the game we know and love, the increasing scrutiny and inconsistency of how handball is viewed by match officials has certainly divided opinion.
READ MORE: World Cup 2022 TV schedule: How to watch fixtures and UK kick-off times
WORLD CUP SWEEPSTAKE: Download free kit here for Qatar tournament
With the eyes of the world set on Qatar during the World Cup, many may be thinking how officials will approach the handball rule, with thirty-six referees from 29 countries chosen to take charge of the tournament’s 64 matches.
The law is expected to stay the same during the tournament, so here is everything you need to know about the handball rule ahead of the World Cup.
What is the current law?
It's not technically "new" as it has been in force across Europe last season, but the Premier League is now taking a stricter approach. So that means a player will be penalised for handball if:
- The hand/arm is clearly away from the body and outside the "body line".
- The player clearly leans into the path of the ball.
- The ball travels some distance.
- The ball touches a hand/arm that is clearly raised above the shoulder.
- The player falls and the hand/arm is extended laterally or vertically away from the body.
- A deflection clearly makes no difference to the ball touching a hand/arm that is clearly extended away from the body and/or above the shoulder.
- Immediately after touching the ball with the arm, even accidentally, the player scores a goal or creates a goal-scoring opportunity.
How has the handball rule changed?
Football's rulemakers, the International Football Association Board (Ifab), tightened up the handball rule in time for this season, defining the boundary between the shoulder and the arm as the bottom of the armpit.
Anything below that and it's a handball - intentional or not, it doesn't matter.
Ifab also emphasised a handball offence takes place when a player makes their body 'unnaturally bigger' and/or puts their arms above shoulder height.
It was also clarified that an "accidental" handball by an attacking player is only penalised if it occurs "immediately" before a goal or clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Why are we seeing more handballs?
For starters, VAR means referees are now having to judge incidents that they otherwise may have missed.
FIFA has taken over the implementation of VAR and ordered all leagues to apply strict interpretation of the rules in order to ensure consistency. This was mainly aimed at the Premier League as other leagues were already doing so.
Last season, the Premier League applied its own looser interpretation to some laws, including handball, the use of pitch-side monitors and goalkeepers encroaching off their line at penalties. This cannot now take place.
Who makes the rules and can they be changed?
Ifab are in charge of the rules of the game and decide on any changes. Ifab is made up of representatives from each of the United Kingdom's football associations and governing body Fifa.
Each British association has one vote and Fifa has four. Any changes must be approved by three-quarters of the vote.
READ NEXT
Full list of Arsenal players going to Qatar 2022 World Cup including Thomas Partey decision
Full list of Chelsea transfer targets going to Qatar 2022 World Cup amid Boehly scouting mission
Full list of Tottenham players going to Qatar 2022 World Cup as Eric Dier, Rodrigo Bentancur in
England World Cup fixtures 2022: UK kick-off times and knockout dates
World Cup 2022 supercomputer reveals England chances after Gareth Southgate announces squad
