The European Football Championship (EURO), organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), is the second most popular football tournament after the FIFA World Cup™ and viewed by people across the globe. The 2024 edition, which took place in June and July, was broadcast live on TV and online in Japan and became a hot topic among fans.

An interesting new rule has been introduced at this tournament called the “Captain-Only Rule.” Under this rule, only the captain of each team is permitted to approach the referee during a match to ask questions about the referee's decisions.

It has become common practice in football for players to surround the referee to voice their objections when hairbreadth judgement is made, or when a penalty kick or a red card is given. The Laws of the Game clearly state that “the decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final” and that “the decisions of the referee, and all other match officials, must always be respected.” However, there are times when players protest in anger, sometimes even using abusive language or threats.

In a bid to put an end to one of the most disgraceful conduct in the game, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has officially approved the trial of the “Captain-Only Rule” this year.

The trial implementation of the rule at UEFA EURO 2024™ in Germany was a great success. At the start of the tournament, some players were unaware of the rule that a yellow card would “be shown if a player other than the captain approached the referee. However, by the end of the 51-match tournament, there were no more incidents of players surrounding the referee over decisions.

In an article published in America, Ian PLENDERLEITH, a journalist and football referee, highlighted that the final was “played in the kind of sporting spirit rarely seen since the 1960s” (Soccer America, July 22, 2024).

As a result of this success, UEFA has decided to introduce the “Captain-Only Rule” in all its competitions from July. The German Football Association has also announced that it will introduce the rule immediately in all competitions at all levels under its jurisdiction.

Initially, the IFAB stated that this trail would not be available in international matches between national teams or in the top two domestic levels. However, following the success of the trial at the EURO, it announced guidelines for its implementation in national team matches and top-flight leagues, which led to FIFA introducing the “Captain-Only Rule” at the Paris Olympics.

I was once watching a Major League Baseball game and surprised to see all the players from both teams come out and start a brawl when a pitcher threw a ball that almost hit the batter in the head. What surprised me even more was that the commentator of the program, a former Major League player, said, “You'll get fined if you don't come out of the dugout.” While in Japan it is just a brawl, in America it is commonly referred to as a “bench-clearing brawl.”

“Every sport has its own traditions.” This is a famous quote by a great Japanese sports journalist USHIKI Sokichiro, whom I greatly admire. As someone who knows nothing about baseball culture, I don't mean to criticise, but it was strange that the players were obligated to take part in a brawl.

However, it is not part of the football culture for players to surround the referee and protest. It is a foolish act that shows a lack of self-control and respect for the game, and it is a poison that destroys the beauty of the game. It is therefore a good idea to designate the captains as the only players allowed to approach the referee.

In today's Laws of the Game, the “captain” is just one of the players, but in the 19th century, in the early days of football, they had considerable responsibility and authority, including the role of referee.

Although captains will not be given the same level of authority as in the past, this new rule will make captains more aware of their role and help them to remain calm when dealing with referees. And the presence of such a captain may act as a deterrent to other players acting out in a fit of rage. Once they have had time to cool down, it is in the nature of players to think about their next move in the game. I have nothing but high hopes for the “Captain-Only Rule.”

Written by OSUMI Yoshiyuki (Football Journalist)

*This article was originally posted on the Japan Football Association Newsletter, “JFAnews,” August 2024 edition.

Japan Football Association Newsletter “JFAnews”

The Japan Football Association Newsletter “JFAnews” contains all the information on the Japan National Team, events hosted by JFA, tournament results, and team information throughout the nation. The official monthly magazine is a must read for coaches, referees, and all members of the football family.

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