Why doesn't FIFA do something about diving/players abusing referees?

[straw man]

Fifa don't see diving or general referee manipulation as a problem - that's fairly clear.

And when I think about the most memorable moments from the sport I think immediately of diving, cheating and the outrage over these perceived injustices. Would football be a more or less popular (and lucrative) sport nowadays if Maradona's hand of god hadn't happened? Or if Klinnsman hadn't taken every opportunity to roll around on the floor to the outrage of thousands of opposition fans? IMO these are things that stick in the memory, inspire passion and help to make this game the most popular in the world. We're living in dreamland if we think fairness and rightness are of paramount importance to an organistaion like Fifa.

Also, as these sorts of refereeing decisions invariably favour the stronger, better known and richer countries (or clubs), who in turn control Fifa, there is very little incentive to push for a fairer and more even-handed apporach to officiating.

[GingerFurball]

There's already a provision in the laws to deal with players abusing refs, if the refs aren't using it then it's their problem.

Straight red for diving? GAGF. Diving isn't as big an issue as everyone makes out.

[SirBloody Idiot]

Originally Posted by GingerFurball

There's already a provision in the laws to deal with players abusing refs, if the refs aren't using it then it's their problem.

Straight red for diving? GAGF. Diving isn't as big an issue as everyone makes out.

Reckon it is when it directly results in someone being sent off IMO.

[Jono]

The fact that diving can result in an opposition player getting sent off is ridiculous. I'd love to know any sport whereby cheating can provide such an advantage for their team, barring a boxer wearing barbed wire on their gloves

[Jono]

Oh and video game called 'This Is Football' (great game, quite fun) had a 'diving' button. Was hilarious.

Can't imagine flagrant cheating being allowed in many other sport video games. Says something about it being a problem.

[99*]

Originally Posted by Jono

Oh and video game called 'This Is Football' (great game, quite fun) had a 'diving' button. Was hilarious.

Can't imagine flagrant cheating being allowed in many other sport video games. Says something about it being a problem.

[GIMH]

Originally Posted by pasag

There was a moment I think around the 40th minute in the Australia game where two players were fighting hard for the ball, they then start remonstrating and whinging for a free, despite the ball still being in play! It's not just soccer either, most sports these days have become very ugly in this regard, everything centres around the refs and it really detracts from the sport. At least cricket is doing something about it, if you don't like it, refer it, but don't moan and bitch and don't try and cheat because you'll be found out quickly.

Yeah, worst thing when players don't play to the whistle. Big source of frustration when I see our players to do that.

[duffer]

I love football, warts and all. Change nothing please. It's perfect as is.

[FaaipDeOiad]

Nah, any sport where cheating and disrespecting the officials comes with such clear rewards could do with some changes.

[Athlai]

Na don't think the sport needs to change, reckon the media and the fans have to really shame their own players into stopping such behaviour.

[Indipper]

Football without cheats would be boring. What would you get worked up about?

[Sir Alex]

Yes, some of the Australians were clearly seen shoutin four letter words whenever they were called foul, maybe ohters as well but I don't know their language so they might be saying sorry as well. I haven't seen this from English players maybe because EPL is such strict and boringly disciplined league and anyways English players are well mannered on field generally. Australians always have their definition of "playing hard" but it need not be universally accepted by everyone. If anyone pleads with referee they should be yellow carded immediately and if repeated red carded.

[Johnners]

Australian match the only one you've seen then? Hardly think players getting all hot and bothered whilst showing quite aggressive body language are "saying sorry"

[silentstriker]

Originally Posted by GingerFurball

There's already a provision in the laws to deal with players abusing refs, if the refs aren't using it then it's their problem.

Straight red for diving? GAGF. Diving isn't as big an issue as everyone makes out.

Speaking as a neutral, that's the #1 thing keeping me from enjoying the sport. When people pan soccer in the US, they always mention diving (and the low scores, but can't do anything about that).

[Son Of Coco]

Originally Posted by Sir Alex

Yes, some of the Australians were clearly seen shoutin four letter words whenever they were called foul, maybe ohters as well but I don't know their language so they might be saying sorry as well. I haven't seen this from English players maybe because EPL is such strict and boringly disciplined league and anyways English players are well mannered on field generally. Australians always have their definition of "playing hard" but it need not be universally accepted by everyone. If anyone pleads with referee they should be yellow carded immediately and if repeated red carded.

Incredible post.

Missed Frankie Lampard screaming '**** OFF' at the goalkeeper after converting a penalty a few years back obviously. May have been a one-off, a complete aberration, but I doubt it.

Am pretty sure Wayne Rooney attends church on Sundays and has problems eating scones because the butter won't melt in his mouth too.

Have seen a number of players swearing in this WC alone, and they haven't all been from one country.

Would be hilarious to see players shouting "SORRY"...."SORRY"..."SORRY"