Question Number: 16070

Kicks From The Penalty mark 7/19/2007

RE: Professional

Aaron of Chicago, Illinois USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 16058

So, if what you say in 16058 is true (which it probably is), what's to stop a team from simply having all but one of their players get sent off during kicks from the penalty mark leaving only their best player to take all of the kicks? After all, this is not a part of the match, dropping under 7 players does not force your team to forfit.

Now I know there is obviously the idea of further penalties from red cards such as suspensions in future games, but say this was done in the World Cup Final? Just last year the final went down to kicks. As far as I know anyway, I don't think suspensions go past the World Cup Final and even if they did, having to play subs in some unimportant game is definently worth an almost assured win in the World Cup Final.

There are of course ethical concerns which would probably prevent the realistic use of such a tactic, but there is always a chance you'll get a team that simply doesn't care.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

I suppose nothing. However, I wonder if when the referee's report is received by FIFA if they would decide that the match misconduct should result in a retaking of the kicks or with the opposing side as the winning side.

Of course as a referee - I would probably consider terminating the whole thing and leave it up to the competition authority to decide how they will handle the matter.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

That would be Integrity.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 16129