Football players and managers have been put on notice as football’s governing bodies introduced a new participant charter for the 2023-24 campaign, aimed at curbing poor behaviour during games. The charter, jointly launched by the Football Association (FA), Premier League, English Football League (EFL), Women’s Super League, Women’s Championship, National League System (Steps 1-4), and referees’ governing body PGMOL, also received input from the League Managers Association and Professional Footballers’ Association.
The new measures target player conduct towards match officials and state that players must refrain from confronting or invading the personal space of match officials, with physical contact strictly prohibited. Additionally, any confrontational behaviour by two or more players towards a match official will result in a yellow card and be reported to the Football Association.
The charter also addresses fan behaviour, particularly tragedy chanting, which involves singing about stadium disasters or fatal accidents involving players or supporters. To address this issue, the football authorities will impose stadium bans and potential criminal prosecution for those engaging in this “vile form of abuse.” Resources will be dedicated to educating both adults and children about the hurt caused by tragic chanting.
The charter also includes new technical area protocols for managers and coaches. Managers will have to attend a pre-match briefing, while players and team officials not listed on the team sheet will be prohibited from entering the technical area. Moreover, no occupants from the technical area can confront match officials at half-time or full-time, and only one person can stand at the front of the technical area during the match.
The football authorities have emphasised that match officials will be given the power to take a robust approach and issue yellow and red cards for behaviour falling below expected standards. Incidents will be reported to the FA, and stronger supplementary disciplinary actions will be applied when deemed necessary.
To address poor behaviour at the grassroots level, teams at Step 7 and below in men’s football and Tier 3 and below in the women’s pyramid will face potential points deductions for repeated offences of serious misconduct. The points deductions will vary based on the number of breaches within 12 months and the severity of the case(s).
The football community collectively aims to reset on-field and technical area behaviour while showing respect and protection to referees. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters stressed the importance of maintaining passion while drawing a clear line against unacceptable behaviour.
The charter is set to foster a more respectful and responsible football environment, with zero tolerance for behaviour that brings harm to others or tarnishes the game’s reputation. As the new season approaches, players, managers, and fans are urged to embrace the positive changes to create a safe and enjoyable football experience for everyone involved.
