In a bid to forestall inappropriate behaviors, several rules and measures have been outlined by the English FA which will aid in curbing “unacceptable conducts”
Footballers, managers and fans are not left out in the major tsunami-like disciplinary restraint for the upcoming campaign.
These newly implemented measures, which have been agreed by four major stakeholders, namely; the FA, Premier League, EFL and referee chiefs, will see officials be able to properly punish those acting unlawfully.
The key decision makers have been working round-the-clock on the refined proposals since mid-way through the 2022/23 season.
This new development is coming to the fore due to on-field and touchline remonstration which were evident across centers last season.
The new rules will begin in the 2022/23 season
The new measures are set to come into full effect from the commencement of the 2022/23 season.
Such measures are targeted at ensuring referees are no longer harassed by players, managers and even fans.
There were two notable mentions of intimidations against referees in European football last term, two of which happened to referees based in England.
Aleksander Mitrovic was banned for eight games and fined £75,000 for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh in Fulham’s 1-3 loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-final.
Another memorable mention is that of Jose Mourinho against English referee Anthony Taylor after the UEFA Europa League final.
Mourinho has since been banned for four matches by UEFA due to his disorderly behavior following AS Roma’s loss on penalties to Sevilla.
With these new rules put out by English FA, several stakeholders must sign up to a “code of conduct”.
Meanwhile, under these rules, the entirety of club technical staff alongside managers and assistants, must sign up to a “code of conduct”.
This “code of conduct” has been sanctioned by the League Managers Association.
In what looks to be like a rash action of shushing teams from reacting against seemingly unfavorable decisions, clubs must compulsorily be present at pre-match briefings alongside match officials.
They also must act in a “responsible manner”, be in the accredited technical area at all times and not make use of electronic gadgets or tablets to point out errors to the referees.
Managers that go against the rules will be punished
Additionally, actions of confrontation by managers on referees, either at half-time or full-time will be directly flouting of the rules and they will face appropriate punishments.
Such breaches will result in heftier fines and several other punishments alongside possible outright bans.
This restraining attempt on players, prepared with the guidance of the PFA, will place the responsibility on team captains to carry responsibility due to the actions of their colleagues.
Integrally, players have strongly been warned they “must not confront, invade the personal space of, or make physical contact with the match officials”.
The referee will make use of his yellow cards to minimally punish erring players and will continue if “two or more players surround a match official in a confrontational manner”.
Players who have also been found guilty of instigating or causing massive confrontation with players in the opposition and/or individuals present in the technical area will also be punished.
Alongside these, in responding to ill-mannered “tragedy chanting” by a section of fans, the FA has also promised keen measures aimed at eliminating it.
They promise that “tough new measures” leading to “stadium bans and potential criminal prosecution” will be implemented.
The police and stewards have been handed the responsibility of identifying individuals guilty of such chants.
Those culpable for inappropriate gestures and displaying offensive messages based on football related tragedies will also be punished optimally.
English FA reveal their continuous effort to combat inappropriate behaviors
Excerpt from a statement put out by the governing body of English football, they reveal the games continuous attempt to fight “dangerous, illegal” and condemnable behaviors.
They wrote: “The game will also continue its efforts to combat dangerous, illegal and unwelcome behavior off the pitch, be it in the stands or online.”
English FA chief executive explains the measures taken
Breaking down their new determination to crack down on unlawful conducts, English FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said:
“This season, English football is coming together with a commitment to address this unacceptable behavior within our game, on the pitch and on the side-lines.”
Mark expressed that he is fully aware that adapting to the newly put-in-place measures will take time but the impact will be impressive.
He said: “We understand that it will take time to adapt to these new measures – but we are confident that they will have a positive impact at all levels.”
The chief executive of the FA also stated that passion, emotion and excitement are key in football but it must be exhibited rightly.
The 52-year-old said: “Passion, emotion and excitement are fundamental to football, however this must be shown in the right way.”
Chief executive of the Premier League, Richard Masters also shared their stance on the matter.
He said: “We also strongly believe there is no room for abhorrent tragedy abuse in football.”
Will points be deducted from teams who flout the rules?
The new steps taken by the FA will also spread its tentacles to grassroots level also, with the introduction of points reduction for erring teams.
It has also been revealed that the trial of bodycam which was seen during the 2022/23 season will also continue in the upcoming campaign.
Managers like Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta and Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, who on many occasions express their remonstrations on the touchline will have to tone their reactions down due to the new measures.
The Premier League will kick off on the 11th of August, 2023 while the English Championship will commence on the 4th of August, 2023.
The EFL League One and Two will begin proceedings on the 5th of August, 2023 while the National League also commences on the same day.
