The new France goalkeeper has criticized the ‘anti Dibu Martínez’ rule for penalties

If a player causes a regulation change it is because he has really marked an era. And it’s no exaggeration to include Dibu in this list. A controversial but very effective technique. The goalkeeper of the Argentina national team was the protagonist in the consecration in the Copa América 2021 and in the World Cup in Qatar 2022. Emiliano Martínez applied mind games and saved very important penalties.

These forms were disliked by the rest of the world, particularly in Europe. Following this, the International Board, the association in charge of defining the rules, has published a series of changes that will come into force from 1 July this year. One of the changes aims directly at Dibu Martínez.

“The goalkeeper must remain on his goal line, between the posts but without touching them, the crossbar or the net, and in front of the kicker until the ball strikes. The goalkeeper must not behave in such a way as to unlawfully distract the player. For example, he will not delay the taking of the penalty or touch the posts, crossbar or goal,” the International Football Association Board (IFAB) explained in the statement. It also added: “It is clarified that, by his conduct , the goalkeeper will not disrespect the football or the opponent. For example, by distracting the player in an illegal way.”

This measure caused a great stir and a clear crack was generated. Curiously, among those who have come out to defend Dibu’s technicians is the new goalkeeper of French National. Through Twitter, Mike Maignan made fun of the changes to the sanctions regulation.

“The new IFAB rules for penalties in 2026: Goalkeepers must have their backs to the shot and if it is saved, there will be an indirect free kick“, jokingly wrote Mike Maignan, criticizing the decision and putting the Argentina goalkeeper on the bench.