UEFA implements new rules crucially important at Euro 2024
2 min read
UEFA wants referees at Euro 2024 to have more private conversations with team captains and earn respect from players for doing so.
On the afternoon of May 14 (local time in Frankfurt, Germany), the Associated Press reported that UEFA is introducing a communication agreement between referees and teams participating in the European Championship (Euro 2024) – an initiative aimed at exerting more influence on the main referees, allowing only team captains to approach and discuss decisions with the referees.
This week, UEFA gathered the referees involved in Euro 2024 in Frankfurt for a meeting to prepare for the tournament with a detailed presentation of the standards they expect.
Specifically, yellow cards will be given to any players who are not captains “showing signs of disrespect or dissent” when approaching the referee.
Additionally, the VAR system, although not widespread in the German Bundesliga, will be applied by UEFA at the tournament to provide support for referees and the best possible match outcomes. UEFA referees will not broadcast videos explaining suggested review decisions.
UEFA’s chief referee, Roberto Rosetti, said: “We are ready to talk and share more detailed information with players and coaches to help them understand how decisions are made.”
“The important thing is tha we only want captains of teams wanting to discuss new decisions to be able to approach the referees,” the Italian official said.
“The captain’s responsibility is to ensure that teammates respect the referees, maintain distance, and do not crowd the match official to argue.”
When the captain is a goalkeeper and an incident occurs far from the goal, a player outside the field must be designated to talk to the referee.
Rosetti said UEFA’s goal for the upcoming tournament is to speak with team captains “to promote a healthy atmosphere among all parties.”
“This will allow them to build significant trust with players and demonstrate the leadership skills needed by modern referees in specific situations and matches.”
