Romania soccer introduces black card to 'combat abusive behaviour' from parents
2 days ago
- The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) introduced a black card to combat abusive parent behavior at youth matches.
- Referees can use the black card to permanently cancel a match if spectator or parent behavior is inappropriate.
- The FRF is the first football federation to adopt this measure, aimed at reducing bullying and pressure from stands.
- The black card is the final step in a three-step process: temporary suspension with coach intervention, a 10-minute suspension with teams sent to dressing rooms, and permanent abandonment if abuse continues.
- The procedure targets abuse against young players, coaches, referees, officials, and other spectators, including verbal and physical assaults.
- The FRF distributed kits with banners, conduct rules, and explanatory flyers to all 130 Romanian academies.