A new UEFA initiative will make it a bookable offence for players to approach referees during European Championship games, unless they are a team captain.
UEFA managing director of refereeing Roberto Rosetti announced in May that officials will endeavour to explain key decisions to captains, but would not entertain approaches from any other players.
It is hoped the directive will breed “trust” between players and officials and prevent referees from being “mobbed”.
Prior to the tournament — which begins on Friday night with hosts Germany’s Group A game against Scotland — European football’s governing body informed all 26 participating nations that only team captains would be permitted to approach the referee during matches.
National teams have been warned not to crowd the referee, and failure to do so will result in a yellow card for the offending player or players.
What does UEFA say?
In an open letter explaining the rationale for the change, Rosetti said he wants officials to be “ready to speak and share more details with the players and coaches to help them understand how a decision was taken”.
He wrote: “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.”
He added: “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.
France captain Kylian Mbappe converses with Portuguese referee Fabio Verissimo during his side’s international friendly against Canada earlier this summer (Photo by Frank Fife/AFP via Getty Images)
“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.
“Any team-mate ignoring his captain’s role and/or who approaches the referee showing any sign of disrespect or dissent will be shown a yellow card.”
If a team is captained by a goalkeeper, then an outfield player will need to be nominated to fulfil the role.
What do referees think?
Premier League referee Michael Oliver, who is officiating at his second European Championship after taking charge of three games at Euro 2020, said the change “can only be a positive”.
He said: “It will definitely help,” he said. “A lot of the situations you see now are players and fans wanting answers and clarification. Having that link and that dialogue with a designated person can only help provide that.
“To be able to establish that bond or relationship with the captain means you can get your point across, you can listen to theirs, you provide that explanation and clarity to them. It can only be a positive.”
What are players saying?
Andy Robertson, Scotland captain
“We had a meeting on that, outlining all the rules. We have to respect that.
“For me that’s fine as long as you give them chance to discuss the decision. It’s not ideal for me as captain and I’m at left-back and the issue is on the far right (of the pitch).
“There might be some teething issues because it’s going to be new, but as long as we have time to get into the place, that’s fine.”
Ilkay Gundogan, Germany captain
“A world-class ref has that kind of empathy to find a solution where you have these tight situations.
“Complaints are part of the game. Whether you’re a player, coach or fan, we all love the game because it brings these emotions.
“I hope the refs show understanding. As long as it’s respectful, I would prefer not too many yellow cards.”
What are the suspension rules at Euro 2024?
A player will be suspended for one match if they are shown a yellow card in two separate matches.
If that player is shown two more yellow cards after the initial suspension, they will then serve a further one-match suspension.
Accumulated yellow cards are wiped out after the quarter-finals are complete.
Players can only be suspended for the Euro 2024 final by being shown a red card in the semi-final.
Players shown a red card will be suspended for one match, although the UEFA have the power to upgrade that suspension should they see fit.
GO DEEPER
VAR decisions to be explained on-screen at Euro 2024 stadiums
(Photo by Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images)