UEFA has announced that a new rule will be implemented in all UEFA club competitions starting next week.
This rule, which was first introduced during Euro 2024, allows only the captains of national teams to communicate with referees during matches.
The decision was made to enhance communication on the pitch regarding referees' decisions and foster mutual trust between players and officials.
The positive response to this change has prompted UEFA to expand the application of the rule to all its competitions, just in time for the start of some competitions next week.
As a result, the new rule will be in place when Liverpool plays in the Champions League next season.
It will have the biggest impact on captain Virgil van Dijk, who will be tasked with communicating with the officials
UEFA emphasizes that 'fair play and respect are values that football... must convey to our societies'.
Captains will bear the majority of the responsibility in communicating with officials, as observed throughout the Euros.
Referees will continue to have open dialogues with those wearing the armband to explain key decisions, including those involving VAR.
UEFA has clarified that team captains 'are the only players entitled to speak to the referee and request clarifications in a respectful manner'.
UEFA has made provisions for where the captain is a goal keeper
UEFA
"Where the captain is the goalkeeper, therefore not close to the action in the majority of cases, the teams are requested to nominate a single outfield player authorized to speak with the referees, to receive their explanations."
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