Premier League corner chaos is heading to the World Cup and FIFA believes referees will handle it

TL;DR

FIFA experts believe referees will effectively manage the growing trend of grappling at corner kicks during the World Cup. This issue gained attention after a controversial VAR decision in a Premier League match between West Ham and Arsenal.

Key points

FIFA experts are aware of grappling at corner kicks
West Ham's controversial VAR decision impacted their relegation battle
Arsenal benefited from the VAR call to stay in title contention
Referees will focus on managing set-piece physicality at the World Cup
Premier League teams must adapt to different officiating standards

Mentioned in this story

David RayaPascal ZuberbühlerGilberto SilvaUnited StatesCanadaMexico

ArsenalWest Ham

Referees at the World Cup are aware of the growing trend in the Premier League for grappling and crowding around goalkeepers at corner kicks and “will deal with this in a very good way,” FIFA experts warned Monday. The issue of how match officials deal with jostling between players at set-pieces was brought into full focus on Sunday when West Ham was denied a stoppage-time equalizer against title-chasing Arsenal. In what has been described as the most significant video review in Premier League history, it was adjudged that Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya was being impeded by the flailing arm of West Ham player Pablo as they competed for the ball at a corner during a chaotic penalty-area scene where players from both teams were grabbing and pulling each other. On many other occasions, similar levels of physical contact have gone unpunished, with Premier League officials seemingly having a high tolerance before intervening in a season when English soccer has gone back to basics with its tactics. Pascal Zuberbühler, the former Switzerland goalkeeper who is the co-ordinator for FIFA’s Technical Study Group at the upcoming World Cup, acknowledged the need to be on top of the issue of grappling at corners “from the beginning” of the tournament. “This is a trend — yes, of course — but I’m sure for our World Cup, we have the best referees there and the referees will be a key part of this situation,” he said on a video call with reporters. “It’s difficult for the referees because a little foul on the goalkeeper in between so many people around you, it’s not easy to see this. But I’m very, very sure we, at FIFA, have the best referees anyway and we will deal with this in a very good way.” For many, it was ironic that Arsenal — which wound up beating West Ham 1-0 to stay on course for a first Premier League title since 2004 — benefited from the controversial call. Under manager Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have become the most dangerous team in at corners and free kicks, embracing a designated set-piece specialist coach in Nicolas Jover and setting up specific patterns in dead-ball situations to cause maximum chaos. Gilberto Silva, a World Cup winner with in 2002 and a Premier League champion with Arsenal in 2004, is also in the FIFA technical group and said dominating set plays was a “very strong weapon” for his former team. However, he added: “I’m not so sure if the World Cup’s going to be the same way because you don’t have so much time to prepare the team for this tournament. “Of course it can be a weapon to be used, and they have to use this, but not as a main one.” The Premier League will be sending dozens of players to the World Cup — being held from June 11-July 19 in the United States, and — as well as two of a total of 52 referees, and they'll have to adapt to a different threshold than the one they’ve been under for the previous nine months.

Q&A

What is the controversy surrounding corner kicks in the Premier League?

The controversy involves players grappling and crowding around goalkeepers during corner kicks, leading to inconsistent officiating and significant VAR decisions.

How did the VAR decision impact the West Ham vs. Arsenal match?

The VAR decision denied West Ham a stoppage-time equalizer, which affected their relegation battle and helped Arsenal maintain their title chase.

What measures will FIFA take to address corner kick grappling at the World Cup?

FIFA plans to ensure referees are vigilant about grappling at corners from the start of the tournament, emphasizing the importance of officiating in these situations.

How are Premier League teams preparing for set-pieces in the World Cup?

Teams like Arsenal, known for their set-piece strategies, will need to adapt quickly to the World Cup environment, where preparation time is limited.

Premier League corner chaos is heading to the World Cup and FIFA believes referees will handle it

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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