Major League Soccer published updates to the league’s Competition Guidelines on Thursday. Most of the guidelines remained the same as previous years, but two new rules were introduced.
Only the Captain
MLS is following the footsteps of UEFA in adapting "Only the Captain" rule. Introduced during the 2024 Euros, the rule has been adapted by multiple european competitions since.
"Only the Captain is designed to improve the image of the game by reducing mobbing instances of a referee," said MLS in a news release Thursday. "Formalizing a direct and uninterrupted line of communication between the captain and referee, and supporting respect for match officials and decisions."
Despite the name of the rule, referees are encouraged to speak to all the players during matches. However, following key decisions, only the captain from each team is permitted to approach the referee.
I think it's a great decision that MLS has announced its adoption of the "Only the Captain Rule"
— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) February 20, 2025
- the aim is eliminate "referee swarming"
- only the captain from each team is permitted to approach the referee to discuss and retrieve information
- If a team’s captain is the… pic.twitter.com/oIZzLeQcHL
"If multiple players approach the referee after a key decision, the referee will designate a space and signal that the captain is the sole person permitted to communicate with them," said the league. "A player who enters the referee’s designated space following a key decision may be issued a yellow card for dissent."
While the instructions sound clear, like many other rules, it will still depend on subjectivity and referee discretion. The use of the word "may" implies that this is more situational than black and white.
If a team’s captain is the goalkeeper, a vice captain may be nominated prior to the match.
Concussion substitution
The number of substitution remains to be a maximum of five in a maximum of three windows. However, the new rule will allow for an additional substitution if "a player who has an actual or suspected concussion."
The concussion substitution can occur at any time, regardless of previous substitutions or windows used. This rule is a direct implantation of IFAB’s Additional Permanent Concussion Substitutions protocol.
When a team uses a concussion substitution, the opposing team is issued an additional substitution and window.
