There have been a number of controversial decisions in recent weeks, especially in televised Champions League and UEFA Cup matches.
This compelled the UEFA Referees Committee to remind referees to enforce their recommendations besides clarifying any other points.
UEFA advised its referees that to ensure total control at attacking free-kicks, the referee must not only ensure that the ball is placed in the correct position but that the kicker is clearly told to wait for a signal from the referee before taking the kick.
It is recommended that the referee should show the whistle to the kicker to alert him to the fact that he cannot proceed before the referee blows the whistle.
This should not prevent a quick free-kick being taken. However, the interpretation of a quick free-kick is when the ball is correctly placed and kicked immediately after the referee has given an infringement.
UEFA is also very concerned about illegal challenges especially with the elbows and arms.
Such challenges appear to be an ongoing problem and referees are not doing enough to eliminate them. It seems too many players are being led off the field for treatment after such abrasive challenges.
In far too many instances, referees have taken no action or just showed a yellow card when a red card was the appropriate action.
Some referees are unaware of the danger to players of the deliberate movement of the arms and elbows in an unnatural manner.
Naturally, in such cases the assistant referee and the fourth official can be of great help to the central official by drawing his attention to such actions of excessive force especially if it happens outside his vision.
Another aspect of unfair challenges is when it comes to certain types of tackling.
Referees have a duty to protect players from strong physical contact even in tackles. Of course, referees must remember that it makes no difference if the tackle is from behind, the front or the side.
This is so especially if contact is made with the ball and the opponent at speed without any consideration of potential danger to an opponent. A caution is necessary but when there are cases of serious foul play a red card should be given.
UEFA expect referees to use their red card appropriately when any tackle involves excessive force and therefore endangers the safety of footballers.
Referees and assistant referees have a very delicate role now with television focusing on every aspect of a match. This is why they have to be extra careful in making correct decisions.
UEFA, and locally the MFA and the public, expect this. Referees are always expected to do their duty to the best of their ability.