anti-Arsenal law – FIFA and IFAB are introducing World Cup rules aimed at stopping players from obstructing opponents during free kicks and corners, with England’s Ben White goal against Uruguay used as a featured example. The wider crackdown also covers mouth-covering red cards
The moment FIFA and IFAB start policing set pieces, the World Cup will look different from the first whistle.
A new rule dubbed the “anti-Arsenal law” will be introduced for the tournament and across major leagues from the start of July. It is built around one specific problem on free kicks and corners: players acting as blockers by obstructing or preventing an opponent from playing the ball.
FIFA expects the change to land with particular force in the Premier League, where set pieces have become a major weapon. Arsenal’s physical approach this season has already drawn attention, with the Gunners scoring 25 set-piece goals in the league.
England’s game against Uruguay in a friendly in March is at the centre of FIFA’s explanation. Ben White scored for England in that match. and officials used the goal as a case study for a scenario they want to eliminate. In that instance, Adam Wharton and Harvey Barnes were seen to block defenders from the corner.
Under the new law, players can be penalised for the offence before the ball is even kicked. The rationale is simple and borrowed from basketball: stop bodies becoming screens. It is designed to prevent players from creating obstruction before the restart starts. rather than waiting to judge the moment after the ball is played.
The “anti-Arsenal law” sits inside a broader package of World Cup rule changes that all carry consequences during games—some immediate, others potentially match-ending.
Players who cover their mouths with their hand. arm or shirt during a confrontation will now be given a red card. FIFA’s move comes after the alleged racism storm surrounding Benfica players Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Jr. in a case in which Prestianni denied the allegations. The rule includes a clear limitation: it does not apply to players who cover their mouths during “friendly” conversations.
Another change is aimed at protests. Competitors who leave the field of play to protest a refereeing decision—something that happened with Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final—will now be shown a red card. If a team leaves the field of play, they will forfeit the match.
Timing controls are also being tightened. Players will have 10 seconds to leave the field when they are being substituted, or the substitute will only be allowed to enter at the first stoppage after a minute of play has passed.
Restarts will move quicker as well. With goal kicks and throw-ins, players will have five seconds, indicated visually by referees, to return the ball to play. If they do not, the opposition will be awarded a corner or throw-in respectively.
Even off the pitch decisions during live treatment are set to change. Teams will no longer be allowed to take a timeout with coaches if a goalkeeper is receiving treatment for an injury during a match.
All of it is scheduled to come into effect with the World Cup, which starts on June 11—and then expand into major leagues from the beginning of July.
FIFA IFAB World Cup 2026 anti-Arsenal law set pieces corners free kicks Ben White England vs Uruguay Adam Wharton Harvey Barnes substitution timing red card rules mouth covering Senegal AFCON final goal kicks throw-ins