Fifa rule changes ‘stupid’, says Satiananthan

are considering making changes to football rules in the near future and are testing out five major alterations to the way the game is played in a youth tournament called the Future of Football Cup.

Four Under-19 teams, PSV Eindhoven, AZ Alkmaar, RB Leipzig and Club Brugge are competing in the revolutionary tournament, and Fifa are willing to evaluate the response and reaction to the changes made to decide whether to implement them at all levels.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino is looking to shorten matches (two 30-minute halves of action), stop the clock when the ball goes out of play, allow unlimited substitutions, create sin bins for yellow cards and take throw-ins with the feet.

However, Football Coaches Association of Malaysia (FCAM) president B. Satiananthan disagrees that these changes would revolutionise the game.

“I think we’re becoming more stupid. It’s taking away football from football,” said Satiananthan.

“The referees can call for timewasting, so there is no need to stop the clock whenever the ball goes out of play.

“Another is the throw-ins. People practice throw-ins because it is part of tactics.

“It is an art, so why do you want to kill this for the players and coaches.

“Fifa should consult top coaches, who have coached in the World Cup or the European Championship, before making changes to the game.

Satiananthan is also against unlimited substitutions and sending players to sin bins for yellow cards.

“I do not understand why there is a need to try out unlimited substitutions in the game. Football does not need this at the moment.

“Nowadays, many yellow cards are flashed during matches. What happens if the referees make mistakes in their decisions?

“Any changes in football must be looked at comprehensively and should be agreed upon by those directly involved in the game.”

The former national team coach believes fans may also lose interest and feel short-changed when they attend matches if these rules are introduced.

“Matches will be about an hour-long with too many stoppages.

“There will be no more drama in football, and this will kill the excitement of the game.

“If these changes are implemented, we may even have cheerleaders entertaining the fans during half-time.

“This is not the way forward,” he added.