Captains can't complain either, says German FA as new rule introduced

Football's new initiative whereby only the captain can speak to the referee is being introduced into the German game this season, but this does not mean skippers are allowed to moan, the country's football federation (DFB) said on Tuesday.

A trial of the system at Euro 2024 was deemed a success, with most players caught complaining to the referee being booked. Football authorities want to cut down on crowds of players haranguing referees.

But while the rule is being introduced into the Bundesliga and other German football competitions, the spokesman of DFB referees' department says the regulation is being misinterpreted.

"I've read far too often now, even at the European Championship, that only the captain is allowed to complain. He's not allowed to complain either," Alexander Feuerherdt told reporters in Frankfurt.

He said the confusion has also led to "players perhaps thinking that if they moan from 20 metres, then it's OK when it's not."

The fact that the referee will now explain decisions only to the captain should also ensure that interruptions are reduced and net playing time is increased, the DFB hopes.

If the captain is a goalkeeper, an outfield player will be nominated to speak to the referee in case of incidents happening at the other end of the pitch.