The 2024 Battle of the Giants Tournament will introduce a new law allowing only team captains to approach referees. This move aims to uphold respect and fairness in football, reducing instances of verbal or physical dissent.
Under the new law, team captains play a crucial role in maintaining order on the field. They are allowed to discuss key decisions with the referee in a respectful manner, ensuring that their teammates maintain a reasonable distance from the referee.
Normal player interactions are allowed under the new law to increase transparency and avoid frustration. However, any player, including the captain, who shows dissent will be cautioned. Referees will explain important decisions to captains and involved players when appropriate.
To prevent player mob behavior, only one player from each team, usually the captain, can approach the referee respectfully. Referees may verbally or gesturally instruct players not to approach them, direct their teammates away from the referee, and caution players who approach or surround the referee without permission.
Special considerations for goalkeeper captains include being informed about the player nominated to approach the referee before the coin toss, only the goalkeeper or the nominated player can approach the referee, and if the nominated player is substituted or sent off, another player must be nominated.
Fiji FA Referees Director Avinesh Narayan emphasized the importance of the new “captain only” measure, stating that it is crucial for the game’s future and enhancing fairness and respect in football.
The new law, already implemented at the Olympic Football Tournament, aims to foster stronger collaboration between referees and team captains, promoting fairness and mutual respect.
Click to read more about Football
