In a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency and respect on the football pitch, UEFA has announced that only team captains will be permitted to approach referees to discuss key officiating decisions during the upcoming UEFA European Championship in Germany. This policy change is designed to streamline communication and reduce on-field tensions during critical moments of the game.
Roberto Rosetti, UEFA’s managing director of referees, emphasized the importance of maintaining authority while fostering better understanding among players. “We want strong-personality referees taking and assuming decisions—which can sometimes be unpopular—on the pitch,” Rosetti explained. “But at the same time, we want them to be more open and explain what led to certain decisions.”
With the increasing reliance on Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, the flow of information that referees receive has become more complex. “They receive a lot of information from the VAR, and we are ready to speak and share more details with the players and coaches to help them understand how a decision was taken,” Rosetti added.
Under the new guidelines, if a team’s captain is a goalkeeper, an outfield player will be nominated to fulfill the role of communicating with the referee. Captains will also bear the responsibility of ensuring their teammates do not encroach on the referee or exhibit unsportsmanlike behavior.
UEFA has made it clear that any player, other than the captain, who approaches the referee showing signs of disrespect or dissent will be shown a yellow card. This measure aims to uphold the integrity of the game and ensure that players maintain discipline on the field.
The policy is expected to have a significant impact on how players interact with officials during high-stakes matches. By channeling communication through a single representative, UEFA hopes to create a more respectful environment and mitigate the heated disputes that often arise during contentious decisions.
Football enthusiasts and professionals alike will be watching closely to see how this change influences the dynamics of the games at Euro 2024. The tournament, set to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, will serve as a litmus test for these new regulations.
Reference(s):
Only captains can talk to referees over VAR decisions at Euro 2024
cgtn.com
