The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has rolled out a new rule that’s shaking things up during matches: only team captains can directly engage with referees, as mandated by FIFA’s guidelines. This change, birthed in a statement from Pierluigi Collina, head of FIFA’s Referee Committee, aims to keep interactions on the pitch orderly and focused.
READ MORE
++ Real Madrid outcast Reinier leaves on loan again
++ The drastic measure Vinicius and Real Madrid will take in case of racism in LaLiga
++ Brasileirão fires back at Cristiano Ronaldo on Pelé’s scoring record
This isn’t about silencing players; regular, respectful dialogue between players and referees is still on the table to maintain transparency and nip potential conflicts in the bud.
However, the moment a player steps out of line, whether it’s the captain or not, they’ll see yellow. This is all about keeping the peace and ensuring that disagreements don’t escalate.
Referees also have the discretion to engage any player directly if the situation calls for it—like if a player is fouled or involved in an incident. This means that while the captain is the main point of contact, referees can adapt based on what’s happening in the game.
By focusing on these guidelines, the CBF is setting a clear expectation: games should be competitive but not combative. It’s a strong move towards more disciplined gameplay, where captains must step up and manage their teams effectively.
As these rules take hold across Brazilian football, it will be interesting to see how teams adapt to maintain their competitive edge without crossing the line.
