The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) is preparing to make a major rule change regarding post-match penalty shootouts ahead of the start of the Round of 16 of the World Cup.
The new decision, which will be applied starting from the most exciting phase of the tournament, can directly affect the outcome of the matches.
According to the rules in force until now, referees used to toss a coin twice before the penalty shootout; in the first toss, the goal at which the penalties would be taken was determined, and in the second toss, who would take the first penalty kick was decided.
According to the proposed and to be applied new rule, the process will be as follows:
Single Toss: Only ONE coin toss will be conducted before the shootout.
Winner's Choice: The side that wins the toss (captain) will gain a big advantage. They will have the right to either take the first penalty kick or choose the goal at which the penalties will be taken (the side where the fans are located).
Loser's Choice: The side that loses the toss will be given the other option left by the winner.
According to FIFA officials, this change will both prevent loss of time and increase excitement in the game by making the tactical advantage of the team that wins the toss even more interesting. The new rule will officially come into force starting from the main stage of the current tournament. (Offsideplus.az)