Premier League want change in handball law


The Premier League planned to formally lobby for a change in the handball law, according to the PA news agency.
This is as a result of the controversy over the penalty awarded against Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier’s last weekend.


The law states that that handball must be awarded if the ball strikes the hand or arm when it is above shoulder level.
That as was the case with Dier and the Premier League is understood to be keen on altering the section of law.


The decision, which cost Spurs victory against Newcastle on Sunday, was criticised because Dier’s arms appeared to be in a natural position for someone who was jumping, and because he was facing away from the ball when it struck him.
However, neither of those factors are relevant under the law, and the Premier League is now understood to be discussing the section of the law about the hand or arm being above shoulder height with the game’s lawmakers the International Football Association Board (IFAB).


If necessary, the league is prepared to formally lobby the IFAB for a rule change.
The IFAB’s technical and football advisory panels are due to meet this autumn, and any law change would have to be rubber-stamped at its annual general meeting next March, before coming into effect for the 2021-22 season.

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