His goal remained in legend.
Author of an exceptional direct free kick to save the Blues in the semi-finals of the Euro against Sweden (34-30 AD), Elohim Prandi took on the role of savior while the Tricolores were on the verge of elimination of a European Championship which they finally won.
Trailing 26-27 when the clock had reached the end of 60 regulation minutes, Guillaume Gille's men were saved by the left back of Paris Saint-Germain.
The French number eight had pulled off an incredible move by stretching all the way around the opposing wall and scoring this goal, which meant extra time.
Sparking controversy over its validity, this goal caused a change in regulations decided by the International Federation (IHF) this Saturday.
STRATOSPHERIC!
🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/jIiVrhMOKW
— French Handball Teams (@FRAHandball) January 26, 2024
Indeed, the free kick was awarded by the referee despite Swedish protests, which led to a reservation lodged by the Scandinavian team.
A certain vagueness then remained regarding the rule governing the execution of the throws.
This argued that the thrower must “have part of the foot constantly in contact with the ground until the ball is released (from the hand)”.
The same supporting foot must remain in contact with the ground
If Prandi's left foot - his supporting foot at the start - was taken off when hitting the free kick, part of his right foot touched the ground but the PSG player had also taken it off just before in order to let himself fall to the right.
His two feet had therefore, at one point during the action, lost contact with the ground.
Believing that the match referee should have reviewed the video images, the Swedish delegation did not win its case with the European Handball Federation, which rejected its appeal.
“After carefully evaluating the situation, the disciplinary committee has determined that the use of video review technology is at the discretion of the referees and not an obligation.
Video review is only used when referees have serious doubt about a decision or if they are not able to see the situation correctly,” the continental body said.
But the latter had not decided on the merits and the legality or otherwise of Prandi's goal.
This is now done, since rule 15 has just been modified by the International Federation.
From now on, “the thrower must have part of the same foot” in contact with the ground, and not just “part of the foot”.
Implied, Prandi's left foot should not have left the ground.
A subtlety resulting in Prandi's heroic free kick no longer being considered valid.
This amendment to the regulation will come into force from July 1, 2024.