League vow to stop cheats

Last updated : 31 May 2012 By Tony Scholes

Some of the items on the agenda will include welcoming newcomers Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers, along with Wolves, Fleetwood and York, and voting on a proposal to return to seven substitutes next season.

One vote that has been carried, and carried unanimously, is the clubs' desire to cut out cheating. The proposal was put forward by Exeter chairman Edward Chorlton and he got full backing to have a blitz on gamesmanship.

The Football League have said: "Clubs will undertake to instruct managers, coaches and players accordingly - in particular to discourage actions which bring the game's reputation into disrepute, such as:

a) showing disrespect to match officials

b) those actions that undermine a sporting culture including diving/simulation, time wasting and feigning injury."

The League have also confirmed they want referees, in the first year, to support this by taking more robust action particularly with players who obstruct the quick taking of free kicks and steal ground at throw ins.

Chairman Greg Clarke said: "As a collective of clubs we have a responsibility to protect the image and long term health of the game of football. In supporting these proposals, League clubs have shown a determination to give a lead in this important area.

"We will now use them as a platform from which to engage with those parties that can help us change our game for the better."