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UEFA set to grill SFA over so-called rule changes

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UEFA are set to grill the SFA over the breakdown in disciplinary issues this season.

Last week the Daily Record revealed that the SFA had contacted UEFA for clarification about apparent rule changes.

As almost every football fan in Scotland could predict the problem has came about due to the way that the SFA treat clubs from Ibrox with Alfredo Morelos and Allan McGregor benefiting from the new rules being operated within Hampden.

Spin doctor Darryl Broadfoot used his platform on Radio Scotland to claim that new wording has created confusion.

No other European league is having similar problems with former English referee David Ellery, now a leading light at UEFA keen to get an explanation from the SFA on the problems that they have created.

He told the Daily Record: “There has been no substantial change in the wording since then (the World Cup). I would like to talk to the SFA about this and we have started some discussions to give them clearer guidelines. I think something may become clearer in due course on that but right now I’m waiting to hear back from them.

They have asked for our feedback on several incidents and we have started a discussion. What we have to ascertain from the SFA is exactly what clarification they would like.

From my point of view I’m happy for you to say that the IFAB is ready to assist with any clarification in terms of the interpretation and intent of the law.

But there’s been no new wording this season in terms of violent conduct so nothing has changed from our end. Beyond that I wouldn’t speculate on what might happen but we are happy to have a discussion.

We have made it clear to the Scottish FA that we are ready to help if they need out help. We are standing by to assist.”

Ellery added: “We at IFAB never comment on individual incidents because it can be unhelpful. But we are here to give assistance in terms of the letter of the law but also the spirit and intention of the law. I think that may be where we may be able to help if we are formally asked to do so.

“The view was, that if you were not challenging for the ball but deliberately make contact with someone’s head or face then, unless the contact is negligible, then it should be considered violent conduct.

“With regards the overall revision of the laws that we have undertaken over the last few years, a question we always ask is, ‘What would football expect?’.

That’s why there’s both the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. That’s why sometimes the intention of the law is as important as the actual wording and we are happy to help the SFA if they require added clarification on such matters.”

Last week Aberdeen issued a statement highly critical of the SFA while Kilmarnock boss Stephen Clarke has promised to stand by his criticism when he appears before the SFA to answer complaints about Willie Collum.

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