The comic strip Calvin and Hobbes features characters who engage in a whimsical game called Calvinball, characterized by ever-changing rules. The notion of a defined winner is secondary, with scoring often depicted as nonsensical, such as “competitions starting before that date may implement the changes earlier or delay their implementation until no later than the start of the next competition” This lighthearted, chaotic sport has even made its way into serious discussions, including a notable dissent from US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson last year.
During the early years of Major League Soccer, Calvinball became a term synonymous with the confusion surrounding player acquisitions and league regulations. Salary cap rules were rigid at times, but exceptions existed, such as accommodating the flamboyant Jorge Campos and ensuring that prodigy Freddy Adu landed with DC United, despite other interests.
World Cups often evoke a sense of Calvinball, particularly when unexpected applications of Fifa regulations arise, such as overturning a red card for a star player from the host nation. The presence of numerous teams and referees brings forth discrepancies in rule interpretations, leading to inconsistencies where what seems like an obvious foul to one referee may not even draw a whistle from another.
Fifa complicates matters by enforcing annual changes to the laws of the game during the World Cup rather than post-tournament. While Fifa does not solely control the laws, holding only half the vote at the International Football Association Board, it has discretion over their implementation. The laws officially shifted on July 1, but Fifa’s insistence on immediate enforcement for ongoing competitions raises questions about the necessity of applying untested rules during such a high-stakes event.
Some regulatory changes are straightforward. For instance, the introduction of five substitutions in 2022 was easily grasped, as was the implementation of goalline technology, which had been extensively tested ahead of the 2014 World Cup.
However, many fans encounter groundbreaking changes for the first time during the World Cup. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system debuted in 2018 before being adopted by top European leagues. Some rule modifications may seem trivial initially but can dramatically alter match outcomes.
Take Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón as an example. In his team’s opening match against the USA, he fell while contending with defender Tim Ream, resulting in Ream receiving a yellow card. Historically, ordinary fouls and yellow cards were not subject to review, but recent revisions now allow for a “when a player is shown a yellow/red card but the offence for which the card was shown was committed by another player of either team” clause. This change led to Almirón being penalized for simulation after replays confirmed he had deceived the referee, resulting in Ream’s card being annulled.
The “covering their mouth when communicating with an opponent in a provocative, derisory or inflammatory manner or situation” amendment originated in an Ifab circular detailing changes from the annual meeting on February 28. A special meeting held two months later introduced additional changes, including a new rule stating that players who cover their mouths when speaking to opponents in a derogatory manner could be shown a red card. Almirón’s actions in Paraguay’s subsequent match led to his dismissal, provoking outrage among commentators.
Other recent adjustments have opened the door to varied interpretations. A player substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds of being signaled, but this provision is subject to exceptions due to safety or injury concerns. This ambiguity might encourage players to feign injuries to delay their exit, complicating the referee’s role.
Current regulations permit referees to allow play to continue for minor injuries while halting the game for serious ones. Yet, throughout this World Cup, there have been numerous instances where play continued despite players lying injured, leaving both teams and referees in confusion. The traditional practice of one team kicking the ball out for an injured player has become increasingly rare.
Some regulations seem to be overlooked entirely. For instance, removing a shirt during goal celebrations results in a yellow card, even if the goal is disallowed. Egypt’s Mostafa Ziko did not receive a yellow card for his celebration after scoring against Argentina, even though the goal was initially ruled out. He later scored a legitimate goal that put his team ahead.
Additionally, the enforcement of protocols regarding matches interrupted by homophobic chanting has been inconsistent. Mexico has faced sanctions for such behavior in the past, yet this World Cup has seen matches continue despite audible chants, which have been strong enough to evade attempts to obscure them.
In contrast to these unaddressed issues, referees have been excessively meticulous over other calls. For example, Croatia’s equalizer against Portugal was disallowed due to a sensor indicating even the slightest contact with the ball by Igor Matanovic, leading to a no-goal ruling despite Josko Gvardiol being onside at the time of the pass. The decision left many questioning the rationale behind such precision.
These contentious decisions have led fans to lament the very existence of VAR. However, the technology itself is not inherently flawed, as its use in sports like American football and cricket demonstrates its potential for clarity.
Ultimately, certain calls will always hinge on human interpretation. A case in point is the controversial decision involving USA’s Folarin Balogun, which continues to be debated weeks later. The crux of the argument revolves around whether Balogun could reasonably be expected to secure his footing while being challenged by a defender.
Clear communication from Ifab and Fifa is essential, yet the handball infraction law has been revised so frequently that it resembles a game of broken telephone, with the original message becoming unrecognizable. Fifa might need to reconsider its approach to implementing numerous changes under the scrutiny of a global audience.
- World Cup 2026
- World Cup
- Video assistant referees (VARs)
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