2024-07-16 21:30:44
At the European Championships, UEFA tested a new rule – with success. Now the DFB has decided to adopt it as well.
After the positive impressions at the European Championships, the DFB is adopting the new “captain rule”. In all German leagues, only the team captains will be allowed to discuss with the referees in the coming season. This decision was announced on Tuesday, but formally applies retroactively from July 1. If the captain is the goalkeeper, the teams can name an alternative field player as a contact person, similar to the 2024 European Championships.
The captains are also responsible for ensuring that their teammates respect the referees, keep their distance and do not harass them. If another player does argue with the referee or harass him, he will be warned. “As referees, we will support everything that is good for the image of football one hundred percent and consistently,” said Knut Kircher, Managing Director of Sport and Communication at DFB Schiri GmbH.
The “captain’s rule” is the “logical next step for even more fairness and respect,” said Ansgar Schwenken, DFL Director of Match Operations and Fans. The advantages include “quicker resumption of play and significantly more respectful interaction,” added DFB Vice President Ronny Zimmermann. The rule should also be a significant help for referees in amateur football.
The DFB will not follow the example of the European Championships in terms of semi-automatic offside technology and chip in the ball; the association has not announced any innovations in this regard. In future, stricter measures will be taken if goalkeepers fail to comply with the six-second rule, and incorrect throw-ins will also be more strictly prohibited. The DFB is also calling on referees to take decisive action against unsportsmanlike conduct of any kind.