UEFA has confirmed the implementation of a new rule across all its competitions following a successful trial at Euro 2024. Introduced ahead of this summer’s tournament in Germany, the rule aims to prevent players from surrounding referees.
“We ask the captains to ensure their teammates do not encroach upon and surround the referee, allowing direct conversations to take place in order that the decision be relayed in a timely and respectful manner,” said UEFA.
What is the new rule by UEFA?
The new regulation stipulates that only the team captain is allowed to discuss decisions with the referee. Any other player approaching the referee to dispute a call will receive a yellow card. UEFA stated that starting with the new season of UEFA club competitions, which is set to kick off next week, this approach will be applied to all matches under UEFA’s jurisdiction.
The organization emphasized the captain’s role in maintaining respect for the referee: “Importantly, we want only the captain from the team who wishes to discuss a decision to be able to approach the referee. It is the responsibility of the captain to ensure his teammates respect the referee, keep their distance and do not surround him.”
UEFA further added, “Any teammate ignoring his captain’s role and/or who approaches the referee showing any sign of disrespect or dissent will be shown a yellow card. Evidently, if the captain is a goalkeeper, there will need to be an outfield player nominated who can fulfil this role should an incident occur at the opposite end of the pitch.”
UEFA to implement the rule across all competitions
After a successful trial during Euro 2024, UEFA has decided to extend this rule to all its competitions. In a statement, they said, “UEFA EURO 2024 has seen a new policy introduced to shape the relationships between referees and players on the field, enhance communication around referees’ decisions and encourage mutual trust.”
They continued, “The success of this new approach at UEFA EURO 2024, understood by the actors of the game and welcomed by the public opinion as unquestionable progress for the image of football, boosts our confidence that this is the way forward. Fair play and respect are values that football, the most popular game in the world, must convey to our societies.”
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