CHLOE KELLY’S rebounded penalty booked the Lionesses a place in back-to-back Euros finals.
But the England supersub’s game-winning strike would’ve been RULED OUT under a drastic new rule change proposal.
PAChloe Kelly had her extra-time penalty saved by Italy’s goalkeeper Laura Giuliani[/caption]
APBut Kelly sped forward to tap-in the rebound and secure a 2-1 win for England[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialThe rebounded penalty could’ve been ruled out under a drastic new rule change proposal[/caption]
GettyThe Lionesses had yet more penalty drama[/caption]
England produced yet more late drama at Euro 2025 as they kept the nations dreams of retaining their title alive with a spectacular 2-1 semi-final victory over Italy after extra-time.
And with another shootout looming, Kelly stepped up to take a penalty in the 119th minute after Beth Mead was bundled over by Emma Severini inside the box.
Goalkeeper Laura Giuliani palmed away Kelly’s initial shot, but the Arsenal star stayed cool bury the rebound as England head into Sunday’s final, where they will face either Spain or Germany.
But if Kelly, 27, were to score the same goal in two years time at Euro 2027 – it might not count.
As exclusively revealed by SunSport, rebounded penalties could be OUTLAWED before the World Cup in the USA next summer.
The possible law change is being discussed at the highest levels as world chiefs aim to improve the game ahead of the first 48-team World Cup.
A new report has revealed that football‘s lawmakers are considering whether or not to press ahead with the possibility of awarding a goal kick whenever a penalty is missed.
The fact that a rebound then gives the attacking team a second chance to score is now being touted as an ‘unfair advantage’.
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It’s said that senior figures within the game believe that the punishment for a foul in the box gives the attacking side a ‘far greater’ chance of scoring than the original phase of play.
While any decision would have to be approved by the law-making International FA Board (Ifab), there is growing backing for the idea that would turn a penalty shot into literally ONE shot.
Axing rebounds from a penalty would stop any controversy over enroachment with players entering the penalty area early.
And while the timetable is short, with any alterations needing to be agreed by the end of February to be in force for the 2026 tournament, there is growing momentum in favour of the radical laws rewrite.
But Uefa will oppose moves to change rule on penalties so that if keeper saves the ball becomes dead.
Further changes are also being discussed, including ‘expanding the scope’ of VAR interventions, which was first broached at the end of 2023.
Players would have one chance to get their penalty on target if the new law comes in
Changes could mean that video officials now be able to intervene in a number of new circumstances.
Some of these include the prevention of ‘unfair dismissals’ via second yellow cards and contentious corner decisions wherever a ‘clear error’ has been made.
Meanwhile, the Lionesses looked to be heading for the exit door after Barbara Bonansea’s 33rd-minute goal, as Sarina Wiegman‘s side struggled to break down Italy‘s stubborn defence.
But the super subs struck again.
First Michelle Agyemang, who made it 2-2 against Sweden, struck in the sixth minute of injury time to send the tie to extra-time.
Then it was left to fan-favourite Kelly to fire England fans into meltdown – and the team into the final.
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