{
  "id": 12605008,
  "title": "Ghanaian football fan proposes major penalty rule change to IFAB",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/ghanaian-football-fan-proposes-major-penalty-rule-change-to-ifab",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T10:36:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghanaian-football-fan-proposes-major-penalty-rule-change-to-ifab/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A Ghanaian football fan named Maxwell Atuanor Dwirah has suggested to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) that the Laws of the Game should be amended regarding penalty kicks. Dwirah's proposal aims to introduce a rule change that would require play to halt whenever a goalkeeper successfully blocks a penalty kick, thereby preventing other players from scoring from the rebound. In a letter to the Secretary of IFAB's Laws of the Game Committee, Dwirah expressed his belief that goalkeepers should be given full credit for their successful saves. He argued that the current rule allowing other players to follow up and score after a save is unacceptable. Dwirah's proposal stipulates that if a goalkeeper saves a penalty, the game should stop and restart with a goal kick, similar to the conclusion of penalty shootouts. Dwirah contends that implementing this change would make penalty situations fairer and acknowledge the hard work of goalkeepers. He stated that this alteration would ensure that goalkeepers receive full recognition for their efforts and contribute to a more equitable and engaging game.",
  "summary": "He wants the Laws of the Game amended so that play stops whenever a goalkeeper saves a penalty, preventing other players from scoring from the rebound.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ghanaian fan Maxwell Atuanor Dwirah proposes IFAB rule change.",
    "Suggests halting play after goalkeeper saves penalty kick.",
    "Recommends restarting game with goal kick after successful save."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}