Grouch rule remains in place beyond the European Championship
The attempt at the European Football Championship was successful: The Mecker Rule eases the work for referees. The UEFA decides to introduce it also for club competitions. From the new season, only captains will be permitted to discuss with referees in all UEFA club competitions. If the captain is the goalkeeper, teams can name an alternative field player as their point of contact, similar to the EURO 2024.
The European Football Union (UEFA) introduces the new Mecker Rule in all its club competitions following the positive impressions from the EURO. As the governing body announced, this includes the Champions League from the new season, where only the captain will be allowed to discuss with referees. If the captain is the goalkeeper, teams can appoint an alternative field player as their point of contact, similar to the EURO 2024.
The UEFA considers this rule change to have been a "successful new communication line" between referees and players at the EURO, justifying the move. It represents an "undisputed progress for the image of football," according to the Dachverband. The rule has improved communication regarding referee decisions and fostered mutual trust, the Dachverband added.
During the EURO, there were significantly fewer incidents around the referee due to the rule, with captains dominating the discussions. Discussion attempts from players without captaincy were met with multiple yellow cards, serving as a deterrent.
The introduction of the new rule will also be tested in German professional leagues for the upcoming season. The leadership of the top referees in the Bundesliga assessed this new UEFA instruction during the EURO and will express their opinion after the tournament. Patrick Ittrich, who acted as an expert for MagentaTV during the EURO, spoke in a press conference about the introduction in the Bundesliga: "I think that's good." However, he added, he would not want to warn every player without a valid reason.
The Grumble rule, introduced by UEFA at the EURO to reduce referee-related incidents, has been credited with contributing to the overall success of the competition. Following the EURO, UEFA decides to implement this rule in all its club competitions, including the Champions League, starting from the new season.
