Premier League: Referees can stop non-captains from approaching them under new rules

During Uefa competitions this season, the signal used to indicate the use of ‘only the captain’ guidelines is one arm extended, showing the flat of the hand.

“This signal may be adopted by other competitions, but currently there is no mandatory signal at the highest levels of the game, as different countries may have varying views on what signal best suits their football environment,” added an IFAB spokesperson.

The governing body added it will review this further to determine whether a standard signal should be introduced in the future.

In junior, veterans, disability and grassroots football, referees will signal a captain-only zone by raising both arms above their head and crossing them at the wrists.

Uncrossing their arms and moving them in front of their body with their palms open in a forward pushing motion will indicate players must not approach them.

The zone will extend for four metres (four-and-a-half yards) around the official.

Under the guidance, referees have the power to initiate a captain-only zone at any stage during a match, although it is expected they will mainly do so following major decisions.