ZURICH (Reuters) - Soccer's governing body FIFA promised on Thursday to take steps to stop what it called the mobbing of referees during the Confederations Cup in Russia this month as part of its so-called "play fair" initiative. Remonstrating with referees and surrounding match officials to protest decisions, known as "mobbing", is common, along with play-acting, time-wasting and other forms of gamesmanship. At the same time, FIFA technical director Marco van Basten told a news conference in St Petersburg that mobbing would be one of FIFA's first targets during the Confederations Cup. "The 'play fair' initiative is a plan for football," said Van Basten. The Confederations Cup, featuring the champions of the six continental confederations plus the World Cup hosts and defending champions, will be held in Russia from June 17 to July 2.

Source: The Star June 15, 2017 16:41 UTC