Revealed: Why Lionesses' winning moment could be OUTLAWED under radical new rules

Daily Mail​

22-07-2025

England 's dramatic winning moment against Italy in the semi-finals of the European Championship could be outlawed under new rules.
Chloe Kelly was the heroine in Switzerland on Tuesday night, but needed a rebound after seeing her spot kick saved by Laura Giuliani in the 119th minute of a thrilling last-four clash.
Kelly, who has been known for her mental strength in tense situations in recent years for England, stepped up to take the kick after Beth Mead was dragged to the ground with just a matter of seconds remaining in the game.
She was given the ball, but saw her effort, low to Giuliani's right, palmed away, though had the opportunity to poke in the rebound and took it.
Her goal triggered ecstatic scenes, but there is a chance it would have been ruled out if it was scored in a year's time.
Penalty rebounds could be scrapped entirely under dramatic new plans being considered by football's law-makers - potentially coming into force in time for the 2026 World Cup.
CHLOE KELLY WINS IT FOR ENGLAND IN THE 119th MINUTE 🤯
THE LIONESSES ARE IN THE EUROS FINAL!
Absolute CHAOS. pic.twitter.com/CW92YhGK4N
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 22, 2025
The proposal, being discussed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), would see any missed penalty immediately result in a goal-kick, with no chance for the taker or others to score on the rebound, as reported by The Sun.
That means iconic moments like Harry Kane 's extra-time rebound against Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final or Xabi Alonso 's equaliser in Liverpool 's legendary 2005 Champions League comeback would no longer stand under the proposed rules.
The idea is to treat a penalty as a single, standalone shot - much like a penalty stroke in hockey.
Once the kick is taken, play would stop. If the ball goes in, it's a goal and the game restarts at the halfway line. If it doesn't, it's a goal-kick for the defending side - no corners, no second chances.
Officials believe it could help eliminate disputes over encroachment and remove an unfair advantage for the attacking team.
Currently, goalkeepers must have one foot on or behind the line, while attackers can pounce on rebounds, which some argue is a double punishment for defenders.
The potential law change is being considered as part of a wider review aimed at modernising the game, particularly ahead of the expanded 48-team World Cup in 2026.
Any new rules would need to be finalised by the end of February to be introduced in time.
Also on the table are plans to expand the scope of VAR. IFAB is looking at allowing video checks for second yellow cards and corners — but only when there's a 'unfair' dismissals or 'clear error' that can be reviewed quickly, without further delays to the game.
Discussions over rules changed were during the recent Club World Cup in the US - with some senior figures now backing significant reform.
While the final decision is still months away, the momentum behind these changes is building fast, and fans could see a very different version of the game by the time the next World Cup kicks off.