April 30 – UEFA’s Football Board has added its voice to the clamour for the need for consistency in VAR decision making.
The board also debated player workload and the cause of injuries, agreeing that players must be given time at the end of seasons to rest and recover ahead of preparing for the next campaign.
Holding their annual meeting in Nyon at the House of European Football on Monday, the board also focussed on offside rules, handball, “double-touch” penalties and the new eight-second law for goalkeepers holding on to the ball.
Chaired by UEFA football advisor and Portuguese legend Luís Figo, the meeting also focussed on competition and calendar matters.
“We are very thankful to have met with the UEFA Football Board again here in Nyon. Their insights are always valuable and deeply appreciated, contributing constructively to important discussions we have had today. This input will help us steer future improvements that will make football better, fairer, and more compelling for everyone involved,” said Figo.
The board brings together a selected group of former players and managers in a forum that gives UEFA insight into the views of players and coaches.
A recommendation from the board meeting in 2024 for the need for greater respect towards referees and match officials, led to the introduction of the directive that only captains should speak with referees. This has subsequently been written into the laws of the game.
“Football can never be perfect so it’s important to talk about how we can do better and that players, coaches and referees can talk, because we all see things in different ways, so it’s good to be able to understand each other and drive the game forwards together,” said Danish legend and UEFA Board member Michael Laudrup.
UEFA Football Board meeting attendees:
Rafael Benítez (Spain), Oliver Bierhoff (Germany), Fabio Capello (Italy), Petr Čech (Czechia), Rio Ferdinand (England), Jürgen Klinsmann (Germany), Michael Laudrup (Denmark), Roberto Martínez (Spain), Predrag Mijatović (Montenegro), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Netherlands), Patrick Vieira (France), Rudi Völler (Germany)
Also in attendance were David Terrier (FIFPRO Europe President), Maheta Molango (FIFPRO Europe board member / PFA CEO) and David Elleray (IFAB), as well as UEFA deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti and managing director for refereeing, Roberto Rosetti.
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