How Did He Think of This? Premier League Star Uses Clever Method That Doesn't Break New 2026 World Cup Rules (Video)
On 14 June 2026, Andy Robertson, left-back and captain of the Scotland national team, showcased a clever and insightful tactic to overcome the newly implemented rules introduced for the 2026 World Cup during Scotland’s narrow 1-0 victory over Haiti.
This moment sparked widespread debate when Scotland earned a throw-in, and the new football rules approved by IFAB for the 2026 World Cup state the following:
- If a player deliberately delays restarting play, the opposing team may be awarded the throw-in instead. The 5-second count begins the moment the player holds the ball in their hands.
However, Andy Robertson, who recently transferred to Tottenham Hotspur after his contract with Liverpool ended, exploited a loophole in this rule by placing the ball on the ground and waiting for his Scottish teammates to get into position before picking it up to take the throw-in.
This method allowed Andy Robertson more than 5 seconds to take the throw-in without any penalty or warning from the referee, as it remains within the boundaries of the new regulation.
This victory also marked Scotland’s first World Cup win in 36 years, since their 2-1 triumph over Sweden in the 1990 World Cup.
