Report: Mecker-Rule applies in the Bundesliga
During the EM games, there is less discussion with the referees on the field than usual. This successful model could soon be implemented in the Bundesliga. Discussions or reactions from other players may result in yellow cards.
In German football, only team captains may discuss matters with referees in the future, according to "Sport Bild". This decision was reportedly made during a meeting of the German Football Association (DFB), with attendees including the referee responsible Vizepresident Ronny Zimmermann and new referee chief Knut Kircher.
The DFB announced again on Tuesday that an official statement on the matter would only be made "after the end of the Europameisterschaft and the completion of the evaluation of the tournament". The findings from the EM will be closely followed, "including the implementation of the instruction that only the captains of the team that wishes to discuss a decision may approach the referee", the DFB informed the Sports Information Service.
Discussions on implementing this in German professional football will be "intensively discussed in cooperation with the DFL and those responsible for the league operations in the 3. Liga and the DFB-Pokal". According to "Sport Bild", this rule will apply from the start of the season in the Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, 3. Liga, and in the Regionalliga. However, it is still unclear how the procedure will be handled if a goalkeeper leads a team as captain.
During the EM games, yellow cards were threatened for comments or reactions from other players. Times when a group of players argued with the referee are to be a thing of the past. This rule could be implemented smoothly at the EM, preventing heated arguments. The European Football Union UEFA recently announced the expansion of this rule to European cup competitions.
The implementation of limiting discussions to team captains in the Bundesliga, as seen successful in the EM games, is a topic of intense discussion. This rule, set to take effect at the start of the season in the Bundesliga, 2. Bundesliga, 3. Liga, and Regionalliga, could also potentially extend to European cup competitions, following UEFA's lead.
With the introduction of this rule in the Football-Bundesliga, team captains will be responsible for discussions with referees, potentially reducing interactions between players and officials that could lead to yellow cards.
