Penalty shootouts are some of the most dramatic moments in soccer, often deciding tightly contested finals where neither team has been able to break the deadlock. While the focus is typically on the players and their ability to handle the pressure, referees play a crucial role in ensuring the fairness and integrity of these high-stakes moments. Their influence extends beyond simply overseeing the kicks, encompassing judgment calls, adherence to rules, and the enforcement of technicalities that can ultimately affect the outcome of a final.
During a penalty shootout, the referee’s primary responsibility is to ensure that the rules are strictly followed. This includes overseeing the placement of the ball on the penalty spot, making sure the goalkeeper stays on their line until the ball is struck, and monitoring players for encroachment. However, as straightforward as these duties may seem, the pressure of the moment and the high stakes involved can complicate even the most basic aspects of refereeing.
In recent years, technology such as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and goal-line technology have provided additional layers of oversight. Still, the referee’s decisions—whether to allow a retake or whether a goalkeeper has moved illegally—remain critical in maintaining fairness during shootouts. These calls are often scrutinized, especially when they influence the outcome of major finals.
One of the most significant ways referees influence penalty shootouts is through their judgment on goalkeeper movements. According to the rules, goalkeepers must have at least part of one foot on or in line with the goal line when the penalty is taken. However, in the heat of the moment, goalkeepers often move off the line early to gain an advantage, either by cutting down the angle or by diving in anticipation of the shot.
In tightly contested finals, these infractions can be decisive. For example, in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Egypt, the referee ordered a retake of one of Senegal’s penalties after Egypt’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Abou Gabal, was deemed to have stepped off his line too early. Senegal eventually won the shootout, and the retake decision was seen as a pivotal moment in the outcome of the match.
These split-second decisions by referees are now often backed by VAR, but the initial judgment on the field remains critical. Controversy arises when there are inconsistencies in how these rules are enforced across different matches, with some infractions being ignored while others result in retakes.
Another area where referees influence penalty shootouts is in their enforcement of encroachment rules. Players are not allowed to enter the penalty area before the kick is taken, and failure to adhere to this rule can result in penalties being retaken or disallowed. However, referees must constantly be vigilant, as encroachment happens quickly, and catching it in real time without the aid of technology can be challenging.
A notable example occurred during the 2019 UEFA Super Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea. During the shootout, Liverpool goalkeeper Adrián saved Tammy Abraham’s penalty to secure the win for Liverpool. However, replays showed that Adrián had slightly moved off his line before the ball was kicked. Despite the apparent infraction, the referee did not order a retake, leading to debates about consistency and fairness in enforcing the rules.
Referees also face immense psychological pressure during penalty shootouts in major finals. Every decision they make is magnified, and even the smallest mistake can have significant repercussions. In the tense atmosphere of a final, referees must maintain their composure and make swift, confident decisions. This pressure often leads to heightened scrutiny from players, coaches, and fans alike, especially when a controversial decision directly affects the outcome of the shootout.
While penalty shootouts in soccer finals are often remembered for the heroics of the players, referees play a crucial and sometimes underappreciated role in ensuring the fairness of these high-stakes moments. From monitoring goalkeeper movements to making judgment calls on encroachment, referees must strike a delicate balance between enforcing the rules and managing the intense pressure of the occasion. As the use of technology like VAR continues to evolve, referees will continue to be key figures in determining the outcome of soccer’s most dramatic finales.
