'Never seen before' - Ex-PGMOL chief emails IFAB over new ruling after Fulham vs Man United drama
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Credit: Imago, Getty
Ciaran Morrison
Wed 3 September 2025 19:37, UK
A former PGMOL has emailed the IFAB over new guidance issued to referees over players holding an opponent.
The IFAB have issued new key considerations to holding offences inside the penalty area, as seen on the Sky Sports show Ref Mic’d Up.
The considerations included a foul should be awarded for sustained or impactful holding, clear impact on the opponents opportunity to play or challenge for the ball.
It continued that a foul should also be awarded for clear (extreme) non-footballing action with impact on the opponent’s movement, not looking at the ball, only focusing on the opponent and not challenging for the ball and holding an opponent with both arms.
Credit: Imago
The issue of holding was well conveyed during the recent Fulham against Manchester United match in the Premier League.
Mason Mount won a penalty after Calvin Bassey was adjudged to have fouled the Man United midfielder in the box.
Kavanagh then should have ruled out Leny Yoro’s opener for Man United at Fulham when the defender fouled Bassey from a corner.
This article contains exclusive comment from former professional referee Keith Hackett.
Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett said he had never before seen the criteria, and has therefore asked the IFAB for clarification.
“When reading the current laws of the game produced by the IFAB this document is not replicated, Hackett said.
“What it does show is the following Guidance to referees.
“Referees are reminded to make an early intervention and to deal firmly with holding offences, especially inside the penalty area at corner kicks and free kicks.
“To deal with these situations the referee must warn any player holding an opponent before the ball is in play, caution the player if the holding continues before the ball is in play or award a direct free kick or penalty kick and caution the player if it happens once the ball is in play.
“I have emailed the IFAB seeking clarification.”