A B C D
E F G H
Third goalie on standby
The move came under immediate criticism at a World Cup workshop for the 32 qualifying countries.
"This is not a good proposition," said French coach Aime Jacquet. "I need something clear-cut. Give me 22 or 23."
Belgian coach Georges Leekens immediately dismissed the idea, arguing three goalies on location was an absolute necessity.
He said it would be "idiotic" to bring only two goalies to soccer's premier event.
"It would be suicidal" Leekens said.
The third goalkeeper will only be allowed to come to France in case of an injury to one of the other goalies, and would not be allowed to join the team to compensate for a red card or any other form of suspension.
If a World Cup team went for the two-goalkeeper strategy, it would allow a country to select a 20th field player but leave itself exposed with no goalkeeper on the bench in case of a suspension.
"Now goalkeepers easily take a red card," said Michel D'Hooghe, head of FIFA's medical committee.
Goalies are more involved than ever in the run of play after the handling of a backpass was abolished. Referees are increasingly strict in applying disciplinary rules, all increasing the risk of a red card.
The issue of adding more players to the 22-man roster was highlighted during the 1996 European championship, when Germany was hit with so many injuries that it feared it would not be able to field a balanced team for the final against the Czech Republic.
In an exceptional concession, the European soccer federation allowed Germany to bring in an extra midfielder. The move was much criticized but the Germans did not need the fresh recruit during the final, which they won 2-1.
One coach was already converted to the new system.
"Everything to help you make things better, why not," said Jamaica's coach Rene Simoes. He intends to bring only two goalkeepers, arguing red cards for goalies is still very much the exception.
Any request to bring in the third goalkeeper during the June 10-July 12 tournament will have to be submitted to the medical and organizing committee of the World Cup, which will make a final ruling.
Other issues addressed at the World Cup workshop :
-- The full team rosters of 22 players will have to be submitted to FIFA by June 2, with possibilities for injury-related changes lasting up to June 10, the day of the opening game, D'Hooghe said.
-- French security officials warned hooligans that creating problems at the World Cup will come at a heavy cost. If convicted, prison sentences can last as long as three years, and fines can go as high as 100,000 francs ($26,300 Cdn), D'Hooghe said.
-- FIFA is working on additional criteria to make the flip of a coin in the case of a first-round tie a near impossibility.
The top two teams of the eight four-country groups advance to the second round, which has direct elimination.
The first round is decided along the following criteria: points, goal difference, number of goals and the result of the direct confrontation. FIFA is working on a system to add more criteria and will report to the qualifying teams within the coming weeks, officials said.
For the first time, the World Cup will use the Golden Goal rule, the system first introduced during the 1996 European championship. The first team to score during extra time, automatically wins the game. Germany won the Euro 96 title against the Czech Republic on the Golden Goal principle when Oliver Bierhoff scored in extra time.
NEXT ROUNDS: Round of 16 || Quarter-finals || Semi-finals
GROUP A: Brazil, Morocco, Norway, Scotland
GROUP B: Austria, Cameroon, Chile, Italy
GROUP C: Denmark, France, Saudi Arabia, South Africa
GROUP D: Bulgaria, Nigeria, Paraguay, Spain
GROUP E: Belgium, Holland, Mexico, South Korea
GROUP F: Germany, Iran, United States, Yugoslavia
GROUP G: Colombia, England, Romania, Tunisia
GROUP H: Argentina, Croatia, Jamaica, Japan