Uefa says the rule introduced at Euro 2024 whereby only a team’s captain can talk to the referee will be extended to European club competitions following its “success”.

Any player at this summer’s tournament who approaches the referee other than the captain is shown a yellow card – and this will be the case in the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League next season.

The initiative has brought a vast increase in bookings, with 166 yellow cards handed out in the group stage compared with 98 during the same period at Euro 2020.

Uefa said the new rules have improved the “image of football” and helped to “convey” respect.

“Starting with the new season of Uefa club competitions ready to kick off next week, this approach will be extended to all matches in Uefa competitions,” Uefa added.