Ban on T-shirt messages by footballers approved by FIFA

No more “Why always me?”

The IFAB has today banned the use of messages and graphics on T-shirts under the jersey of players. Overt slogans and messages had long been banned by FIFA, but footballers are often seen lifting up their T-shirts to show messages and graphics.

“From now on there can be no slogan or image whatsoever on undergarments even good-natured ones. This will apply from June 1 and be in force for the World Cup,” FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said in a news conference following the IFAB meeting.

The reason behind banning of messages under jerseys is because it is often hard to decipher between a controversial message and a simple one, like when the messages are in foreign languages.

As part of the above changes, the Law 4 of the games, which relates to political equipment will be amended which states:

“Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer logo.

“A player/team of a player that reveals an undergarment that shows political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturers’ logo will be sanctioned by the competition organiser or by Fifa.”

The IFAB has also rejected UEFA’s proposal to review the ‘triple punishment’ for stopping a clear goalscoring opportunity, which includes a player’s sending off, conceding a penalty and suspension.

The use of head-wear for women and men has been sanctioned while also allowing wearing of veils and turbans during matches. Experiments are currently on-going for the use of sinbins.

The use of technology shall be restricted to goal-line verdicts only, Valcke said.

The IFAB comprises of the four British associations along with four representatives of FIFA. Valcke added that the sanctions and law changes are undergoing a revision to make their meaning clearer internationally.