The SFA, Scotland’s soccer association, has become the first federation in world penalize players who dive or fake injury in games by using video evidence. Players caught cheating after the fact will be handed yellow cards. Similarly, wrongfully issued cards could be retracted after the fact.
SFA Chief Executive Gordon Smith called simulation “one unhealthy development in the game in Scotland” but it’s a problem that pervades the game at all levels. “It can often be the case that the perpetrator of the offense is successful in his intentions and also escapes punishment,” Gordon says. “When this happens, there is little doubt that the image of the game is harmed. In these circumstances, the cheat wins.”
To address the problem, Smith said referees would be forced to review footage of televised matches in order to identify clear-cut cases of simulation. If a player who received a yellow card during the match is also awarded one for diving, he would be suspended for the following game. Smith said the new rule would be implemented Jan. 1, 2008.