Fifa introduces new measures to curb on-field disruptions

The ultimate decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding the Senegal-Morocco final remains pending. However, it’s clear that the entire saga could have been handled more effectively, potentially preventing the drastic measure of overturning a match result months after the final whistle. This “on-the-table” decision highlights critical issues in football governance.

To avert future protracted disputes, FIFA recently issued new guidelines during a congress held in Vancouver. According to The Times, the global football body has instructed referees to immediately issue a red card to any player who exits the pitch in protest of an official’s call. This strict stance aims to maintain order and respect for referee decisions.

The same severe penalty will apply to any coaching staff member who encourages players to engage in such disruptive behavior. Furthermore, if an entire team collectively withdraws to the locker room, mirroring the actions seen during the Senegal incident, it will result in an automatic forfeiture of the match. This specific regulation is not new; it was, in fact, the basis for the Confederation of African Football’s decision to declare Morocco the winner of the Africa Cup of Nations final via a “walkover” ruling.

Fifa addresses the Vinicius incident with new directives

In a separate but equally significant development, FIFA has also implemented measures in response to another recent controversy: the Vinicius-Prestianni affair. The Brazilian star accused the Benfica player of making racist remarks towards him. Ultimately, the Argentinian player received a sanction for admitted homophobic insults.

FIFA’s solution? A red card will now be issued to players who communicate with an opponent while covering their mouth with their hand. This new rule aims to facilitate lip-reading, thereby making it easier to identify and address any potentially racist or abusive language that might otherwise go unnoticed by officials or opponents.

By Daniel Mbami — Politics and Security