Rules panel aims to give GKs more freedom

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP):

World football's rule-making panel wants to give goalkeepers more freedom to move when facing a penalty.

Currently, the Laws of the Game state that goalkeepers "must remain on the goal line ... until the ball has been kicked."

The panel, known as IFAB, proposed yesterday that goalkeepers should need "only one foot on the goal line when a penalty is taken".

This would allow keepers to begin moving forward earlier without risking referees ordering the kick to be retaken if they make a save.

Penalty kicks were the main focus of the International Football Association Board's business meeting to prepare for a March 1 session when law changes can be approved. New laws will take effect on June 1 - the date of the Champions League final.