No More Diving?

[tommihird]

Serie A is known for its great football, allying technical excellence with tactical nous, but also - especially abroad - for its theatrical players. A new rule adopted by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), however, could soon change this reputation.

Crackdown on divers
Just ahead of the season start, the FIGC took a decision that can be considered as revolutionary in Italy. According to article 31 of the Italian federation's latest regulations, video evidence can be used to ban 'simulatori' - divers or injury fakers - whose action caused an opponent to be sent off or a penalty kick to be awarded in his team's favour.

Capello call
In taking this step, the FIGC has sought the opinion of some of the most important figures in Italian football. Last term Juventus coach Fabio Capello called for television evidence against injury fakers when Zlatan Ibrahimovic was suspended for three matches after cameras caught him hitting Iván Cordoba during a game between the Bianconeri and FC Internazionale Milano.

'Spirit of fair play'
"It's fair to punish whoever hits an opponent and is not seen by the referee," he said. "But I also believe that a player who exaggerates or feigns an injury should be punished in the same way. Zlatan did hit Cordoba in the neck, and Cordoba fell with his hands on his face as if he had been punched. We are the main actors of this show and we must always behave in the spirit of fair play."

Totti cases
Francesco Totti knows all about TV evidence after being banned for three matches at UEFA EURO 2004™ for spitting at Denmark defender Christian Poulsen. Last season, though, the AS Roma captain was sent off and suspended for five Serie A games after AC Siena defender Francesco Colonnese clearly exaggerated the consequences of a clash with Totti.

'A good idea'
"The use of TV evidence in these cases is a new thing," the forward said. "We have to wait and see if it will really influence the game. Personally I think every player is more sensible with all these cameras focused on him all the time. It's a good idea."

Plague of violence
This new rule, though, is just part of an FIGC project aiming to convince players to perform in the spirit of fair play and so provide an example to fans, in order to reduce the plague of violence in football.

Hand of god
To this end, video evidence will also be utilised to punish players that use their hands to score a goal - Diego Maradona would have been suspended after his infamous effort against England in the 1986 FIFA World Cup - or prevent one, without the referee noticing their offence.

Foul language
The FIGC has also decided to award more severe sanctions for other misdemeanours: a player sent off for foul or abusive language towards a referee will be banned for at least two games, while players dismissed for violent conduct will be suspended for three to five matches (or a minimum of eight if it is against a referee).

Step in right direction
The first Serie A weekend on 27/28 August saw no particular discipline problems. Obviously it is too early to say whether the FIGC ruling has affected the sport but it is surely a step in the right direction.



Good idea IMO, maybe we should incorporate it into the premier league seeing you lot are always complaining that people dive too much in England.

[LA Metros Hockey Player]

[tommihird]

[LA Metros Hockey Player]

[tommihird]

Yes, the Premiership is a good league, and the entertainment value of it is greater than Serie A. But the quality of Italian football is still brilliant, no matter how many times you try to argue the fact that Warren Feeney is better than Adriano.

But you admitted to be the other day that you don't even take umuch interest in the Premiership, so I think you have no clue really.

[Doctor Jim III]

Italy hosts the only good football outside of England. I used to be properly down with it, thanks to Gazetta Football Italia on Saturday morning Channel 4.

Is that programme still going?

[tommihird]

[LA Metros Hockey Player]