FA to stamp out cheating in 2017/18

[1964white]

So those found guilty of doing a Tom Daley or in Reading's case feigning injury could be handed suspensions with controversial incidents reviewed in between matches

The Football Association announced earlier today that they have extended their powers when it comes to punishing retrospective simulation.

The FA have announced a new offence for the coming season, titled 'Successful Deception of a Match Official' and the move was approved by the FA Council earlier this afternoon so it will be in place for the start of 2017/18.

The new powers will come into play when there is 'clear and overwhelming' evidence that suggests a Match Official has been successfully duped by an act of simulation and and as a direct result, the offending player's team has been awarded a penalty or seen a member of the opposition sent off.

The Fast Track System currently used will enable the FA to act retrospectively on all these incidents in between matchdays.

Where retrospective action could be taken:
Where an alleged act leads to a penalty
Where an alleged act leads to a straight red card for an opponent
Where an alleged act leads to a dismissal of an opponent (where the alleged act led to the opponent receiving either one of the two cautions)

A panel comprised of one ex official, one ex manager and one ex player will review all available video footage of the incident independently of one another and they will then advise the FA of whether or not they believe it was an offence of 'Successful Deception of a Match Official' or not and worthy of an instant dismissal decision.

Like current review systems, the FA would act only when all three independent panel members are unanimous in their three decisions.

In admitted or proven cases of simulation and/or feigning injury, the offending player will now receive a two match suspension. The FA state that the improved punishment from the existing yellow card for unsporting behaviour is to act as a deterrent but also reflects the fact these instances have led to a penalty or dismissal, so a more severe punishment is only right.

In terms of the penalty, the FA aren't going to be changing results after the fact, but for Independent Regulatory Commission they now have the power to rescind the caution or dismissal when cases are admitted or proven.

What this means in real terms for consistency ultimately lies with the panel and the action then taken as we can all point to situations that regularly receive a different decision, so it's down to the FA.

[HarryofOz]

A good decision which will no doubt have the support of all fans, until the panel rule against one of their players.

[1964white]

A good decision which will no doubt have the support of all fans, until the panel rule against one of their players.

As a fan on the terraces nothing annoys me more than players feigning injury & constantly wasting time, at times I feel like I'm being conned. It doesn't happen in Rugby League !

[HarryofOz]

As a fan on the terraces nothing annoys me more than players feigning injury & constantly wasting time, at times I feel I'm being conned. It doesn't happen in Rugby League !

And fans from all teams will say the same thing, while asserting that no-one in their team ever feigns injury, wastes time or dives.

And their is plenty of diving and playing for penalties in rugby league. Maybe not as much as their is in football, but that is because the game involves much more physical contact. And if there are ever the financial rewards for success in rugby league that there are in football, cheating will increase exponentially.