Attacking players are to be banned from standing next to opposing defenders in the wall at free kicks as part of a shake-up of football’s laws. The International FA Board (Ifab) is set to impose a rule at a meeting today that from next season players from the team taking the free kick must be at least a metre away from the defenders in the wall.

The aim is to stop attackers disrupting walls and pushing opponents to make extra space for the free kick. Arsenal had three players in the wall against Bournemouth in midweek. They created a gap for Alexandre Lacazette to score into the top corner.

The change should give defending teams an advantage, although as the attackers do not have to