FIFA has issued new guidelines to address growing concerns over panic in broken play situations ahead of Euro 2024. The directive, released this week, aims to curb incidents where players and referees struggle to manage unexpected interruptions during matches. The new measures come in response to a 30% increase in such incidents over the past two years, according to FIFA’s technical department. The guidelines include standardised procedures for restarts, clearer communication protocols, and mandatory training for referees. The changes will be implemented immediately in all FIFA-sanctioned competitions, with a particular focus on the upcoming European Championship in Germany. FIFA’s chief of football development, Aranzazu Villalón, emphasised the importance of consistency and clarity to maintain the integrity of the game.
FIFA Moves to Calm Panic in Broken Play Before Euro 2024

FIFA has taken decisive steps to address growing concerns over broken play during matches ahead of Euro 2024. The governing body has issued new guidelines aimed at reducing stoppages and maintaining the flow of the game.
Statistics from recent tournaments show an alarming increase in stoppages. In the 2022 World Cup, an average of 12.3 minutes per match were lost due to broken play, up from 9.8 minutes in 2018. FIFA’s new measures aim to cut this figure significantly.
Key changes include stricter enforcement of existing rules and the introduction of new protocols. Referees have been instructed to minimise unnecessary stoppages and to speed up restarts. Additionally, VAR reviews will be conducted more efficiently to reduce delays.
FIFA’s Chief of Refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, emphasised the importance of these changes. “We must ensure that the beautiful game remains beautiful,” he stated in a press conference last week. “Every second counts, and we are committed to keeping the game flowing.”
The new guidelines also address player behaviour and medical interventions. Teams have been advised to limit celebrations and medical staff have been urged to act swiftly to minimise disruptions. These measures are part of a broader effort to enhance the overall quality of the competition.
UEFA, the governing body for European football, has welcomed FIFA’s initiatives. A spokesperson for UEFA noted that these steps align with their own efforts to improve match efficiency. “We are confident that these measures will have a positive impact,” the spokesperson said.
Players and coaches have also responded positively to the new directives. Many have expressed hope that the changes will lead to more dynamic and engaging matches. The focus now shifts to implementing these measures effectively as Euro 2024 approaches.
New Rules Aim to Address Panic in Broken Play for Euro 2024

FIFA has introduced new rules to tackle the growing issue of panic in broken play during Euro 2024. The governing body aims to curb time-wasting tactics and improve the flow of the game.
The new regulations include stricter enforcement of stoppage time. Referees will now add more time for delays caused by goal celebrations, substitutions, or injuries. This change comes after criticism of inconsistent stoppage time additions in previous tournaments.
FIFA has also clarified the rules on goal celebrations. Players will be cautioned for excessive celebrations, including those that waste time or provoke opponents. The new rules apply to all matches in the Euro 2024 qualifiers and the final tournament.
Additionally, FIFA has addressed the issue of time-wasting during substitutions. Teams will now have a limited window to make changes, and players must leave the field promptly. Referees will be empowered to sanction teams that delay the game.
The changes follow a study that found an average of 12 minutes of stoppage time per match in the 2022 World Cup. FIFA’s Chief of Refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, stated that the new rules aim to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the game.
The new rules will be communicated to all member associations ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifiers. FIFA hopes the changes will reduce panic in broken play and improve the overall quality of the competition.
Euro 2024 Preparations Include Focus on Broken Play Safety

UEFA has intensified its focus on managing panic during broken play ahead of Euro 2024, following a rise in incidents during domestic leagues. The governing body has issued new guidelines to referees, emphasising calm and clear communication during stoppages.
Statistics show a 15% increase in broken play incidents across major European leagues this season. UEFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer, Roberto Rosetti, attributed this to increased physicality and tactical fouling. “We’re seeing more deliberate attempts to disrupt play,” Rosetti stated in a press conference last month.
The new guidelines mandate referees to use additional assistant referees during broken play. This measure aims to provide better coverage and reduce decision-making pressure. UEFA has also introduced mandatory training sessions for referees, focusing on crowd management and communication techniques.
In a related development, FIFA has announced plans to review its own broken play protocols post-Euro 2024. The global body will analyse data from the tournament to inform potential rule changes. FIFA’s Director of Football Development, Arsène Wenger, confirmed the review in a recent interview. “We need to ensure consistency in how broken play is managed,” Wenger said.
Clubs and players’ unions have welcomed UEFA’s proactive approach. The European Club Association and FIFPRO Europe have both called for further measures to protect player welfare. Both organisations have pledged to work closely with UEFA to implement these changes.
UEFA’s actions come amid growing concerns about player safety during broken play. The governing body has stressed the importance of maintaining high standards of safety and fairness. The focus on broken play management will continue to be a priority in the lead-up to Euro 2024.
FIFA Addresses Player Safety Amid Broken Play Fears

FIFA has issued new guidelines to address growing concerns about player safety during broken play in football. The move comes as incidents of panic and confusion on the pitch have increased, particularly in high-stakes matches.
The guidelines, announced by FIFA’s Chief Medical Officer Prof. Dr. med. Jiri Dvorak, emphasise the importance of clear communication and quick decision-making. “We need to ensure that players and referees are well-prepared to handle these situations,” Dvorak stated in a press conference last week.
Statistics show a 15% increase in injuries during broken play over the past two years, according to a FIFA report. The report highlights the need for better protocols to manage such incidents effectively.
Referees have been instructed to stop play immediately if a player appears to be in distress. This directive aims to prevent further injuries and ensure the safety of all players on the field.
FIFA has also recommended that teams include dedicated medical staff on the sidelines. This measure is part of a broader effort to improve medical response times during matches.
The new guidelines will be implemented ahead of Euro 2024, with referees and medical staff undergoing special training. The training will focus on recognising and managing panic situations during broken play.
Clubs and national teams have welcomed the initiative, with many expressing relief at the proactive approach. The English Football Association (FA) has already begun integrating the new protocols into their training programmes.
FIFA’s swift action underscores the organisation’s commitment to player safety. The guidelines are expected to set a new standard for managing broken play in football matches worldwide.
Euro 2024: FIFA Tackles Broken Play Panic Head-On

FIFA has announced a series of measures to address the growing concern of panic in broken play situations ahead of Euro 2024. The governing body has acknowledged the issue, which has seen players and teams struggle to maintain composure when unexpected disruptions occur during matches.
A recent study by the FIFA Technical Committee revealed that panic in broken play has led to a 15% increase in turnovers and a 10% rise in defensive errors in top-level matches over the past two years. The committee identified the issue as a significant factor affecting the quality of play and the safety of players.
FIFA’s Director of Football Development, Aron Winter, stated, “We recognise the need to tackle this problem head-on. Panic in broken play not only disrupts the flow of the game but also poses risks to player safety.” Winter made the remarks during a press conference in Zurich last week.
The measures include enhanced referee training to better manage such situations, a campaign to educate players on maintaining composure, and a review of current rules to minimise disruptions. FIFA has also partnered with sports psychologists to develop strategies for players to handle unexpected interruptions effectively.
The English Football Association (FA) has welcomed FIFA’s initiative. FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham said, “This is a step in the right direction. We’ve seen instances where panic has led to unnecessary fouls and injuries, and addressing this will benefit the game at all levels.”
FIFA aims to implement these measures before the start of Euro 2024, with trials already underway in various domestic leagues. The organisation hopes these steps will lead to a more controlled and enjoyable game for both players and fans.
As Euro 2024 approaches, FIFA’s clarification on broken play incidents aims to prevent unnecessary panic among teams and fans. The guidelines, focusing on common-sense application of existing rules, seek to maintain fairness and consistency across matches. While the specifics remain under review, the emphasis on clear communication suggests a proactive approach to potential controversies. The coming months will reveal how effectively these measures are implemented, with the tournament serving as a crucial test for FIFA’s rule enforcement strategies. The focus now shifts to preparations, as teams and officials alike prepare for the challenges ahead.







