Yeah. A few months ago (but only to apply as of this season). It must happen immediately before the goal now.
Can anyone define 'immediate'? Basically whether they want to allow the goal or not it sounds like. Problem is, what's the chance of us getting consistency from officials when they change the rules every ****ing year.
I guess we'll only find out the actual definition once it happens. But for me, it means the penultimate touch of the ball - ie handball (touch one), then shot/header for goal (touch two). If it's handball, then some dribbling/passing etc, then the shot/header, that isn't immediate.
As with the other handballs this weekend, under the current rules that is a clear penalty (once the onside had been confirmed). As illustrated by the referees constantly only needing a short look at the monitor each time. Until the law changes, they will be given every weekend.
I can sort of understand where the lawmakers are coming from, when a player is planted on the ground. If their arms are away from their body, then they are making themselves a bigger obstacle. I still wouldn't agree that a handball should be given for anything which isn't deliberate, but at least I can understand their logic. But when a player is jumping, their arms need to be away from their body in order to give them leverage. Defenders being forced to defend on the ground with their arms behind their back (or next to side) is one thing. But asking them to jump like that, essentially like fish?...
It's partly VAR's fault as the rules are being re-written to suit VAR. Without VAR that doesn't get given and nobody gives it a second mention. Obligatory 2 minute offside check too.
Every season they find new ways to make the sport worse I want spurs to lose as much as the next man, but that was a joke decision