While the possibility of brown envelope bribes is always there, the game’s administrators frequently review the rules to ensure that the necessary changes are made to promote fairness.

Even the toss of the coin to decide which end to kick off from became a matter of concern: Who should toss the coin?

Bear in mind that weather predictions could mean a gale-force wind in the first half and total calm in the second stanza, so the coin toss could be vital.

Of course, the coin itself should first be inspected, since double-sided coins have been known to be used.

Until very recently, there was nothing in the rules as to who should toss the coin, but that task has now been officially handed to the referee.

Five substitutions 

During the Covid pandemic, when many players were ill or in quarantine, provision was made for managers to make five substitutions instead of the normal three.

This was because of the additional workload on the rest of the team, as well as the impact of fixture congestion.

The five subs rule has now been adopted in most countries and will be valid at Qatar. However, only three ‘windows’ for substitutions will be permitted.

‘Ten-ball’ system

The custom of giving the match ball to the striker who nets a hat-trick may well become redundant.

The Premier League this season introduced a new ’10-ball’ system intended to prevent time-wasting – especially when the ball is kicked into Row Z in the stands during extra time and the fans won’t give it back, and when ball boys primed by the home side take their time in giving the ball to the opposing team players.

Naturally, only one ball will be on the field at any given time, with the fourth match official holding one, and another eight stationed at strategic points around the field.

Ten balls per game? That’s great for the manufacturers, who will surely have a ball with this rule.

Just for kicks

Where should the goalkeeper stand when a penalty kick is taken?

It’s long been the rule that he may not stand ahead of the goal line and may only move sideways, not forward, before the kick is taken. (Moving forward would narrow the kicker’s angle.)

However, a recent change now allows keepers to have one foot behind the line when the kick is taken, allowing them to launch and get some momentum.

But, as Paul Simon sang, ‘After changes upon changes, we are more or less the same’, and the goalie still has the tough task of stopping the ball from going into the net.

Mostly, this just has to do with guessing right… or left.

#TacklingQatar2022: Manned by soccer fundi Dave Savides, the Corner Shop is the place to be for Soccer World Cup news. Savides, the long-time editor of the Zululand Observer, is tackling the coverage of the world’s greatest footie extravaganza for Caxton Local Media.

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