Does IFAB require referees’ decisions to always be respected?

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IFAB Mandates Respect for Referees' Decisions

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) stipulates that all referees' decisions must be respected, irrespective of their perceived accuracy. This principle extends to individuals in positions of authority within football, such as coaches and team captains, who bear a specific responsibility to uphold this respect for match officials and their rulings. The foundational Laws of the Game, as introduced by IFAB, emphasize that the integrity of football relies on the consistent adherence to these established rules and the decisions made by those tasked with their enforcement.
The Spirit of the Game and Authority

The IFAB's introduction to the Laws of the Game clearly articulates that the spirit of football necessitates unwavering respect for referees' judgments. This directive is not merely aspirational; it is presented as a crucial element for maintaining fair play and the overall integrity of the sport. All individuals holding authority, particularly coaches and team captains, are explicitly identified as having a responsibility to demonstrate this respect towards match officials and their pronouncements on the field.
Finality of Referee's Judgements on Play

Within the framework of the Laws of the Game, the referee is granted full authority to officiate matches and enforce the rules. Their decisions concerning factual matters directly related to the play, such as the awarding of goals or the final match outcome, are designated as final. This means that these on-field judgments are not subject to retrospective review or appeal, reinforcing the importance of respecting the referee's authority in the moment.
Fifa's Regulatory Framework and Exceptions

While the Laws of the Game, overseen by IFAB, establish the principle of respecting referees' decisions, Fifa's own statutes and regulations, including its Disciplinary Code, govern organized competitions. The Fifa Disciplinary Code generally upholds the finality of referees' decisions on the field of play, stating they cannot be reviewed by Fifa's judicial bodies. However, the Code does allow for review in instances of obvious error, such as misidentification of a penalized individual, and even then, review is typically limited to the disciplinary consequences of such errors.

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Does IFAB require referees’ decisions to always be respected?

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