Brazil have officially banned all players in their top flight from standing on the ball, a skill that has become synonymous with Patrick Maswanganyi in recent years.
Check Out: MC Alger Boss: We Will Do Everything To Win In Orlando
Since arriving at Orlando Pirates, the 27-year-old has quickly ascended to becoming one of the best players in South Africa, gaining the adoration of football fans across the nation. One of the reasons he has been able to achieve this is because of his flamboyance on the ball, and his ball stand is part of that.
It is a skill that is perhaps intrinsic to South African football and was first done by certain legends like Jomo Sono, but the Brazilians have now frowned upon it.
In a recent match in the Brazilian top flight between Corinthians and Vasco da Gama, Netherlands star Memphis Depay decided to showboat by standing on the ball. However, the following day, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) decided to ban the move, stating that any player who does it will be given a yellow card.
They said in an official statement:
"With our best regards, we are using this document to address a topic that has recently gained attention in Brazilian and South American football, and which, in essence, has negative impacts on our sport.
"This arises from a specific behaviour that has caused disruptions during matches, leading to widespread confrontations and especially damaging the image of the sport, which has broad national and international appeal.
"It concerns a player jumping into the ball with both feet, with the intent to provoke the opposing team
"The fact is, in addition to the risk of injury to the player himself, this act generates widespread disruptions in matches.
"Given this, the CBF Refereeing Commission announces that this conduct is punishable as disrespect to the game, in accordance with the Laws of the Game."Let us consider:
"Infractions for Unsporting Conduct:
"There are different circumstances in which a player should be cautioned with a Yellow Card (CA) for unsporting behaviour, including:"Showing lack of respect for football;
Check Out: Ex-Chiefs Star Happy Over Benni's Kenya Impact
"Therefore, the CBF Refereeing Commission has instructed referees that upon identifying the aforementioned conduct, they must sanction it with an Indirect Free Kick (TLI) in favour of the opposing team, to be taken at the spot of the infraction, and caution the offender with a Yellow Card (CA)."
