Klopp Says Arsenal’s 60% Goal Rate Would Be Illegal Under FIFA Rule as Germany Exit
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 30
Klopp Says Arsenal’s 60% Goal Rate Would Be Illegal Under FIFA Rule as Germany Exit
3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 30
Summary
Jonathan Tah’s extra-time header in Germany’s round-of-32 loss to Paraguay was wiped out by VAR after Waldemar Anton was judged to have intentionally blocked goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
Klopp, speaking on Magenta TV after the defeat, said if Tah’s goal was illegal then Arsenal “won’t be English champions,” claiming 60% of their goals came from similar set-piece blocks.
The decision stemmed from FIFA’s new World Cup obstruction rule, unveiled by refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina, which punishes players who block opponents without a genuine attempt to play the ball.
Arsenal became the online face of the issue after winning the 2025-26 Premier League title with a record 19 goals from corners, though they were not the only team using such tactics.
The Premier League has already signaled tighter enforcement for 2026-27, but officials say not every contact will be a foul and the focus will be on intent.