Dusseldorf (Germany), UEFA's top referee has vowed to crack down on players arguing with referees and "crowding" players on the field at the upcoming Europa Championship in Germany.
Roberto Rossetti, UEFA's managing director of referees, addressed a gathering of coaches from the 24 competing teams in Germany on Monday and called on them to ensure their players show respect for game officials.
According to a UEFA statement on Tuesday, he told coaches, "Unacceptable player behavior is a problem for officials. The players are following you and if you are calm, your players are more calm."
“We want to avoid unnecessary cards and protect the image of the game, so we will be strong in solidarity and clear disagreement.It is about protecting the image of the game and a positive legacy for future generations. We have to do something and we need you because you are very important to us."
Rossetti is an experienced Italian referee, having overseen the European Championship final in 2008, when Spain defeated Germany 1–0.
UEFA also said it would soon decide on whether teams should be allowed to select 2 players for the tournament instead of the usual 23.
Extended squads were used at the last Europa Championship in 2021 as a temporary measure to allow players to be immediately replaced if they tested positive for COVID-19 while in camp.Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman argued for a return to the 26-player squad last month because "you have to deal with more injuries these days," but German coach Julian Nagelsmann disagreed in comments on Monday.
Nagelsmann said he was in favor of sticking with 23 because he was concerned that the atmosphere in a bigger team would be worse if too many players were not getting playing time.
UEFA said there was no consensus among the coaches at Monday's meeting.
“UEFA has taken note of the diverse opinions and viewpoints shared, and a final decision will be made in the coming weeks." AP SSC
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Roberto Rossetti, UEFA's managing director of referees, addressed a gathering of coaches from the 24 competing teams in Germany on Monday and called on them to ensure their players show respect for game officials.
According to a UEFA statement on Tuesday, he told coaches, "Unacceptable player behavior is a problem for officials. The players are following you and if you are calm, your players are more calm."
“We want to avoid unnecessary cards and protect the image of the game, so we will be strong in solidarity and clear disagreement.It is about protecting the image of the game and a positive legacy for future generations. We have to do something and we need you because you are very important to us."
Rossetti is an experienced Italian referee, having overseen the European Championship final in 2008, when Spain defeated Germany 1–0.
UEFA also said it would soon decide on whether teams should be allowed to select 2 players for the tournament instead of the usual 23.
Extended squads were used at the last Europa Championship in 2021 as a temporary measure to allow players to be immediately replaced if they tested positive for COVID-19 while in camp.Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman argued for a return to the 26-player squad last month because "you have to deal with more injuries these days," but German coach Julian Nagelsmann disagreed in comments on Monday.
Nagelsmann said he was in favor of sticking with 23 because he was concerned that the atmosphere in a bigger team would be worse if too many players were not getting playing time.
UEFA said there was no consensus among the coaches at Monday's meeting.
“UEFA has taken note of the diverse opinions and viewpoints shared, and a final decision will be made in the coming weeks." AP SSC
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