The iconic lines of the soccer field could be seeing dramatic change. FIFA is proposing a plan to get rid of the center circle at midfield in attempt to make kickoffs more exciting.
The center circle has a ten-yard radius and is in place to keep opponents away from the team kicking off.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has stated that the game of football is constantly evolving, and the governing body must adapt even if that means changing the field.
This wouldn't be the first time that kickoffs have seen a rule change. In 2016 the International Football Association Board (IFAB) tweaked the process. In the past the rule stated that on a kickoff the ball must go forward. The IFAB changed that rule so now players can pass it backward directly from the kickoff.
FIFA wants to add more entertainment to kickoffs as they are too predictable with a backward pass.
The governing body’s proposal is to take basketball’s approach with the tip-off. Games would instead start with a drop kick and the team that loses the initial drop kick will start with possession in the second half.
Kick offs that aren’t at the start of game will have a different approach. With the center circle gone opposing players can line up as close as they would like. They aren’t allowed to cross the midfield line and can’t try to block the first pass.
FIFA hopes that adding this rule will put more pressure on teams when resuming the game.
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