Fifa changes its mind about spitting
FIFA has done an about-turn on the matter of spitting and has now issued a directive that it will no longer be a yellow-card offence because it is well-nigh impossible for match officials to police it.
A month ago, world football’s governing body sent out a circular which shared the concerns of its medical committee chairman Michel D’Hooghe, who said that even though spitting on the pitch was an accepted part of the game, it must be banned.
D’Hooghe said spitting raised serious health concerns and that it was unhygienic.
Yesterday Fifa said in a directive that it was “impractical” to make spitting a yellow-card offence.
“Spitting at someone is a sending-off (red-card) offence under the Laws of the Game.
“However, where spitting does not fall into this category, it would be impractical to make it a yellow-card (YC) offence because it is impossible for the match officials to detect every incident, as spitting can occur anywhere on the pitch, at any time and often away from play (e.g. as players move to take up a position before the next sequence of play).
“Consequently, treating ‘general’ spitting and other such actions as a YC offence during matches would lead to inconsistency and unfairness,” the statement read.
However, spitters will not be entirely off the hook because their action may be reviewed after the game.
“Therefore, where a competition wishes to enforce protocols regarding spitting (and other related areas), any disciplinary decision should be taken by the relevant competition organiser or member association after the match,” Fifa said.
Outspoken Cape Town City chairman John Comitis, who slammed the initial decision to yellow card spitting, said he was pleased that world football had settled for common sense in the matter.
“I’m relieved that Fifa have changed their minds because ultimately spitting is something that is not policeable,” said Comitis.
“As a former player myself, I know spitting is not always deliberate but when you’re in action it can be reactionary rather than a conscious reaction.
“I’m glad it has come to this because it could have opened one controversy after another.
“Apart from this, I would also urge Fifa to look into the matter of increasing the size of matchday squads.
“When play is ultimately resumed everyone in football will be emerging from lockdown because of Covid-19 and there could be suspect fitness levels. In such cases, players’ health could be at risk and it would help if enough provision is made for substitutions.
“The bigger squads will also help to fill the gaps when players take ill and we need to remove them from the team environment to prevent the spread of coronavirus.”
This development will come as a relief for clubs around the world because it could have impacted on playing staff resources over the next few months as football continues to battle Covid-19.