Just a few weeks out from the tournament, it seems as though UEFA are hoping to tackle one of the most annoying trends in professional football at Euro 2024 this summer.
The event in Germany will kick on June 14th, with 24 nations descending upon Germany in hopes of lifting the trophy. However, their players will be asked to be on their best behaviour during their time on the pitch.
The sight of players crowding referees to protest decisions is something that has annoyed football fans for quite a long time, with the issue perhaps becoming even more pronounced in recent years.
In saying that, a new move from UEFA could cut out the problem at Euro 2024.
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UEFA want to change referee rules at Euro 2024
UEFA are set to introduce new guidelines ahead of Euro 2024, one that will hopefully end the issue of players crowding around referees.
They are set to introduce a rule that will only allow team captain's to speak to the referee in order to discuss a decision. Any other player that speaks to the official will be in danger of being booked for dissent.
EFA managing director of refereeing Roberto Rosetti has explained the reasoning behind the move:
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 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 team-mates 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.
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 team-mates respect the referee, keep their distance and do not surround him.
In the case where the goalkeeper is the captain of team, he will have the ability to nominate an outfield player to speak on his behalf should an incident occur at the opposite end of the pitch.
Laws such as this are commonplace in other sports, with rugby being the most obvious example.
This move will be a popular one among supporters, many of whom have grown frustrated with the constant complaining from players about decisions from officials.
UEFA clearly have good intention by introducing this rule, although it will be interesting to see just how strictly it is implemented at Euro 2024.
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