Football is all about winning. Teams do everything they can to get an edge in the game, even if it means circumventing the rules. We look at five players that made FIFA change the rules.

Football is a beautiful game played in most parts of the world. Like every other game it has its rules which states how it should be played.

The laws of the game are designed to ensure that the sport is played in a fair and consistent manner. It is crucial that everyone involved in football has a clear understanding of these laws.

The laws of the game are often updated to address issues that have arisen in the past. Some rules are changed as a result of player antics, others come from unfortunate incidents.

 

Here are five players that made FIFA change the rules of the game

 

1) Emiliano Martinez

The Aston Villa goalkeeper is known for his penalty antics which to be fair makes him a good penalty stopper. He can always be seen talking to players whenever he is about to face a penalty.

His penalty antics won Argentina the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar. This attitude resulted in FIFA changing the rules, prohibiting keepers from talking to penalty takers.

 

2) Frank Lampard

During the 2010 world cup, England were a goal down versus Germany with time running out. Frank Lampard scored a goal which could have leveled the game but it was unjustly ruled out. They eventually lost 4-1 to the Germans.

The out cry following the incident birthed the use of the goal line technology. Lampard has since insisted that he doesn’t regret that the incident happened. He claims his, and England’s misfortune changed football forever.

 

3) Peter Schmeichel

The Danish goalkeeper during the Euro 1992 was guilty of the dark arts of time wasting. He would pass the ball to his defenders and later pick it up,  after waiting for the attacker to try poaching the ball.

FIFA had to change the rule which prohibits keepers from picking up the ball from outfield players during games. Nowadays whenever a keeper picks a ball passed to him by his player, it is considered an indirect free kick to opposition team.

 

4) Diego Forlan

 

In 2002, Diego Forlan scored a goal for Manchester United during a game against Southampton. In a celebration which lasted for long, he had his shirt off. When the game kicked off again, he was still without his shirt. Forlan could be seen running after a Southampton player with his bare chest while trying to make a tackle.

As a result, FIFA created a law to sanction any player who takes off his jersey after scoring.

 

5) Jimmy Thorpe

The Sunderland goalie was kicked in the head and chest during a game versus Chelsea. He was able to finish off the game amid disorientation and repeated pauses.

The injuries resulted in him collapsing on his way home. He was rushed to the hospital but he died tragically four days later at the age of 22.

The incident prompted a new rule which prevents players from kick at the goal keeper when in control of it.