UEFA have warned players that aren’t captains at Euro 2024 are at risk of being booked should they approach referees during matches.
In a move that is is similar to the laws in rugby union, match officials will only discuss key decisions with skippers.
An open letter from UEFA’s managing director of refereeing – Roberto Rosetti – has addressed the new rule for this summer’s tournament in Germany.
The decision has been made to stop the whistleblowers from being ‘mobbed’ by players, which is hoped will lead to better communication.
Those who don’t respect the new rule may receive a yellow card – the same punishment imposed on rugby players.
However, should one of the national team’s captain be a goalkeeper, an outfield player will be designated to be the shot-stopper’s spokesman if an incident occurs at the other end of the pitch.
Commenting on the change, Rosetti said: “Explaining a decision with up to 22 players mobbing you is impossible for a referee.
“It can lead to a breakdown in communication, with the beautiful game turning very ugly very quickly, which, everyone agrees, is bad for the image of football.
“Some decisions will, of course, always be debated. However, in a bid to improve the status quo we at UEFA want referees to explain more of their decisions to all teams competing at the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 tournament.
“How will we do this? The idea is simple, we ask that all teams ensure their captain is the only player who speaks to the referee.
“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.”
Rosetti added: “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.
“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.”
Euro 2024 kicks off on June 14 and runs for a month, with England‘s quest for a first trophy since 1966 starting against Serbia on June 16. They also face Denmark and Serbia in their group games.