Olympics-Soccer-Only captains allowed to speak to referees at Olympics

PARIS - Only captains will be allowed to speak and discuss decisions with the referee during the Olympics, FIFA said on Wednesday following the rule's first implementation at last month's European Championship.

FIFA is encouraging the adoption of the measure by competition organisers globally after UEFA extended the new approach to all of their competitions in a bid to facilitate clearer communication.

"Without referees there is no football. Protecting match officials and ensuring they are treated with respect is fundamental for the future of the game," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.

"Implementing measures such as 'captain only' is crucial in maintaining the spirit of football and safeguarding those who uphold its laws."

The world soccer governing body added they will continue to monitor the impact of the "captain only" rule.

"This is an important step based on the overarching idea of further enhancing fairness and respect in football while enabling an open line of dialogue between the referee and the teams," chairman of the FIFA referees committee Pierluigi Collina said.

"As we have seen in the past, measures that are in defence of football end up being accepted."

The Olympic soccer tournament kicks off on Wednesday as Spain take on Uzbekistan at Paris' Parc des Princes while Argentina face Morocco in Saint-Etienne.

-(Reuters)