How Arsenal and Chelsea legends could inspire better behaviour towards referees with UEFA call

UEFA's football board, with former stars like Luis Figo at the helm, has identified player conduct towards referees as a 'critical issue'. The group, which also includes legends such as Eric Abidal, Rafael Benitez, Petr Cech, Rio Ferdinand, Jurgen Klinsmann, Juan Mata, and Patrick Vieira, is also targeting the problems of players simulating injuries and time-wasting.

During a meeting led by ex-Real Madrid and Inter Milan ace Figo, discussions centred on officiating and the behaviour of coaches and players towards match officials, alongside concerns about time-wasting and the use of VAR.

The board is advocating for a campaign spearheaded by influential players to highlight the dishonesty of feigning injuries in hopes of driving it out of the sport.

A UEFA statement declared: "The Board consensually acknowledged that the behaviour of players and coaches towards match officials in several recent instances has become a critical issue and does not contribute positively to the good image of the game.

"The members are united in their belief that this issue needs to be addressed as firmly as possible. The Board concluded that it is important for coaches to set the example for their teams and for the mobbing of officials to be eliminated.

"Referees are an essential element of football and should be protected from all forms of abuse. What happens in the professional game has the power to influence the whole pyramid; recruiting and retaining referees is highly dependent on the positive examples set in competitions followed by millions of fans.

"It was agreed that a firm disciplinary approach is justified, but that it would also be advisable to improve the transparency of communication between match officials and coaches to inspire mutual understanding and respect."

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The board emphasised the need for VAR to become more consistent, transparent, and understandable for players, coaches, and supporters, noting that it should aid rather than undermine the credibility of referees.

Figo remarked: "Meeting with the UEFA Football Board is important for UEFA and football in general as it provides us with invaluable insights from key stakeholders who have experienced the game at the highest levels about the various current topics and issues facing our game.

"We look forward to reviewing the discussions as part of UEFA's unwavering commitment to improving the game we love for all and for generations to come."