A new rule in the Bundesliga requires a meeting with referees, captains, and coaches before every match. However, not everyone is happy about it. World Cup winner Toni Kroos believes the rule will have little effect.
This rule, known as the handshake dialogue, started at the beginning of the season. It mandates that captains and coaches meet the referees 70 minutes before the game begins.
Kroos, who retired after an impressive career with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, shared his thoughts on a podcast. He commented that the rule won’t help control players’ emotions.
“Before a match, you’re focused on the game. We can talk about liking each other, but by the fifth minute, it will be just yellow cards,” he noted.
Cologne coach Lukas Kwasniok was even more critical, calling the rule “nonsense.” He expressed that, at that time before a match, no one is interested and that it disrupts their preparations.
The DFL, which introduced the rule in July, stated that the purpose is to enhance fair play standards. They described the meeting as a chance for respectful interaction among everyone involved in the game, occurring in the referees’ dressing room.
Published on Aug 27, 2025