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February 24, 2012

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FIFA panel calls for more on-field handshakes

A FIFA expert panel wants players to exchange more handshakes on the field to improve the game's image and sportsmanship.

Franz Beckenbauer, chairman of the Task Force Football 2014, said after a meeting on Wednesday that it recommended players should meet opponents in the center circle after matches.

"At full time I think it would be a better image ... when leaving the pitch together and not refusing a handshake," Beckenbauer said. "They should be role models and should behave like role models."

The German great later added that the sport must prevent future incidents such as Liverpool striker Luis Suarez's recent refusal to shake the hand of Manchester United defender Patrice Evra. "This is the first time I ever saw it myself. I think we simply have to stop it," he said.

Beckenbauer advised against disciplining players for falling short of FIFA's fair play code, saying the governing body should first remind players and coaches of their responsibilities.

Beckenbauer said he believed a FIFA campaign promoting fair play would be "more intense during the 2014 (World Cup) in Brazil." The panel, which includes former playing greats Cafu of Brazil and Kalusha Bwalya, now president of Zambia's football body, gave its advice after watching footage of bad-tempered, high-profile matches.

They included the 2010 World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain; a Champions League semifinal between Real Madrid and Barcelona last April; and last season's Copa Libertadores final between Santos and Penarol.

Beckenbauer said encouraging handshakes and sportsmanship were "small things that could improve the image of football." He suggested that teams could leave the field together at halftime and emerge for the second period together, as well as gather in the center circle after the final whistle.

"That is what we used to do when I was at school," Beckenbauer said.


 

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