UEFA Mandates Captains as Sole Interlocutors with Referees at Euro 2024

UEFA has informed participating teams in Euro 2024 that only team captains will have the authority to approach referees regarding decisions made during matches. Other players who attempt to do so risk receiving a booking.

This decision by European football's governing body aims to curb instances of multiple players "mobbing" referees, which UEFA perceives as detrimental to the sport's image.

Roberto Rosetti, UEFA's managing director of refereeing, stated, "In a bid to improve the status quo we at Uefa want referees to explain more of their decisions to all teams competing at the upcoming Uefa Euro 2024 tournament."

Rosetti elaborated on the directive, explaining, "The concept is straightforward: we request that all teams ensure their captain is the sole player who engages in dialogue with the referee. Captains are tasked with preventing their teammates from surrounding the referee, facilitating direct and respectful communication to convey decisions promptly."

UEFA's initiative aligns with the recent trials announced by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which limited referee interaction to a team's captain in specific scenarios.

Euro 2024, set to take place in Germany, will commence with a match between Germany and Scotland on Friday, June 14.

Rosetti emphasized the consequences for non-compliance, stating, "Any teammate who disregards the captain's role or approaches the referee with signs of disrespect or dissent will receive a yellow card."

He also noted a contingency for teams whose captains are goalkeepers, stating, "If the captain is a goalkeeper, an outfield player must be designated to fulfill this role in incidents occurring at the opposite end of the pitch."