To: The International Football Association Board (IFAB)

Cc: Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)

Subject: Proposal to Regulate Player Conduct Prior to the Execution of Penalty Kicks

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to respectfully submit a procedural proposal concerning the execution of penalty kicks and the increasing instances of unsporting behavior observed prior to their execution.

In recent competitions across various leagues and tournaments, it has become increasingly common for players from both teams to gather around the penalty spot immediately after a penalty is awarded. These gatherings often lead to unnecessary confrontations, psychological interference with the designated kicker, time delays, and escalating tensions that place additional and avoidable pressure on match officials.

While Law 14 of the Laws of the Game clearly regulates player positioning during the execution of a penalty kick, the pre-execution phase—particularly the moment between the awarding of the penalty and the delivery of the ball to the kicker—remains procedurally undefined in practical enforcement.

Accordingly, I propose the following procedural adjustment:

1.The referee shall retain possession of the ball immediately after awarding a penalty kick.

2.All players from both teams must fully vacate the penalty area and comply with the required positioning outside the penalty area and penalty arc before the ball is placed for execution.

3.The referee shall only hand the ball to the designated kicker once full compliance and spatial order are achieved.

4.Any attempt to delay, provoke, crowd, or engage in unsporting conduct during this phase should result in an immediate caution.

This adjustment does not alter the substance of Law 14, but rather strengthens its implementation through clearer procedural sequencing. It would reduce confrontations, preserve match discipline, protect the integrity of the kicker’s preparation, and reinforce the authority of referees.

Football’s global stature demands continuous refinement of its regulatory framework to safeguard sportsmanship, fairness, and respect for officials. This proposal aims to contribute constructively to that objective.

I appreciate your consideration of this matter and remain at your disposal should further clarification be required.

Respectfully,

Dr. Tarek Sami Khoury