DFB - Mecker-Rule will be valid in German football in the future
The Mecker Rule will also be introduced in German football and takes effect immediately. According to the German Football Association (DFB), the so-called captains' regulation will be applied uniformly in all leagues. It also applies to friendly matches. This decision was made by DFB Schiri GmbH, the DFB, and the German Football League (DFL).
The requirement states that only the team captains can now complain to the referees about their decisions. Quick yellow cards can be issued for comments or reactions from other players. Times when a group of players argue with the referee should be a thing of the past. The fact that the referee only explains their view to the captain should also ensure that interruptions are shortened and net playing time increased.
There is an information sheet
If the captain is a goalkeeper, a representative for him should be named on the field for the referee-dialogue in case of disputes further away from the referee. In the European Championship matches, there were noticeably fewer discussions on the pitch than usual.
"The introduction is not only sensible and practical, it also helps football right down to the grassroots. In addition, it is very easy to implement, as it requires no regulatory changes, but only clarifies the communication flow between the referee and the captain," explained DFB referee instructor Lutz Wagner. "Moreover, there is also a short clear information sheet for all parties involved."
Mecker Rule also in European Cup
The captains are also responsible for ensuring that their teammates respect, keep a distance from, and do not harass the referees. "A player who ignores the role of his captain, argues with the referee, or behaves disrespectfully will be warned," it was stated.
The Mecker Rule will henceforth apply to European Cup competitions. The European Championship saw it lead to significantly fewer discussions with the referee and fewer quarrels.
- The German Football Association (DFB) and the DFL, along with DFB Schiri GmbH, have decided to implement the Mecker Rule in all German soccer leagues, including friendly matches.
- In Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, teams' captains are now the only ones permitted to voice their concerns to the referee under the DFB's captains' regulation.
- The German Football Association (DFB) has revealed that the Mecker Rule will also be applied in European Cup competitions, following its success in reducing discussions and quarrels during the European Championship matches.
- The German Football Association (DFB) and DFB Schiri GmbH, in collaboration with the German Football League (DFL), have introduced the Mecker Rule in German football, which stipulates that referees should only engage with team captains, aiming to shorten interruptions and increase net playing time.
