France goalkeeper fumes at new ‘anti-Emi Martinez’ penalty rules as he ironically claims saves are banned
FRANCE goalkeeper Mike Maignan has mocked the IFAB’s decision to introduce new penalty rules.
Earlier this week, the football lawmakers announced that a new set of rules – which will aid penalty takers – will come into play from July 1.
The changes will prevent goalkeepers from taunting and disrupting penalty takers.
And they have been introduced in the wake of Emiliano Martinez‘s controversial World Cup final antics.
During the penalty shootout against France, the Argentina goalkeeper employed tactics such as throwing the ball away in an attempt to gain a psychological advantage.
The mind games worked as Argentina went on to lift the trophy, however, from July they will no longer be permitted.
New Penalty Rules to be Introduced from July
- Goalkeepers must not touch either posts, the crossbar or the goal net before a penalty is taken.
- Goalkeepers must not delay the execution of a penalty.
- Goalkeepers must not unfairly distract the taker.
- Goalkeepers must not show behaviours that fail to show respect.
New rules state that goalkeepers cannot touch either posts, the crossbar or the net of the goal before kicks.
They will also not be allowed to delay the execution of the penalty by throwing or kicking the ball away.
Furthermore, goalkeepers must not unfairly distract the taker by speaking or gesturing to them.
And finally, they must not show behaviours that fail to show respect to the taker such as over-the-top celebrations.
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Many fans have since criticised the new set of rules with some even suggesting that they are ‘ruining’ the game.
France goalkeeper Maignan has also expressed his disapproval.
In a sarcastic tweet, he wrote: “New IFAB penalty rules 2026: Goalkeepers must have their backs to the shot. If the penalty is saved, the opposition gets an indirect freekick.”
Ironically, Maignan saved a penalty while on international duty for France on Friday.
In the 95th minute of the Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands he stepped up to save Memphis Depay‘s spot-kick.
France went on to win the match 4-0 thanks to goals from Antoine Griezmann, Dayot Upamecano and Kylian Mbappe.