In news that will no doubt be celebrated by the majority of those connected to the game of football (except Sam Allardyce), it was announced yesterday that the FA have introduced a new law that will see players face bans if they are found guilty of diving.
At present in the Premier League, the only punishment that can be meted out for simulation is during a game, where a referee can issue a player with a yellow card should they believe they have dived or play acted in order to try and win a decision.
Of course, given the huge consequences that can stem from play acting, especially when it pertains to penalties being wrongfully awarded of players receiving undeserved bookings or red cards, there are many in the game who feel the current laws are nowhere near severe enough.
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FA officials recently spent some time in Scotland, where a rule is currently in place for players to face retrospective action in the form of a two game ban should they be found guilty of gaining an unfair advantage for their team by diving.
And now the governing body confirmed that as of next season, a fast-track three-man panel of experts will be brought in to assess incidents using video footage.
The statement, posted on the FA's official website, in full, read:
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"A new offence of 'Successful Deception of a Match Official' will be in force from the start of the 2017-18 season, after the regulation change was approved by The FA Council today [18 May] and following a period of consultation with stakeholders over the past few months.
"Where there is clear and overwhelming evidence to suggest a match official has been deceived by an act of simulation, and as a direct result, the offending player's team has been awarded a penalty and/or an opposing player has been dismissed, The FA will be able to act retrospectively under its Fast Track system."
And there's already a betting market on which Premier League player will be the first player to be hit with a two-match ban.
At present, with William Hill, Manchester City pair Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling are the favourites at 10/1, along with Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez.
Image: PA
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Anthony Knockaert, Dele Alli, Gabriel Jesus, Marcus Rashford and Wilfried Zaha are all also in contention at 12/1, while you can bet on twelve other players, including the likes of Ashley Young, Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini, Eden Hazard, Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and Robert Snodgrass, to be the first culprit next term.
Image: PA
Here is the full list of names:
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10/1 Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane, Alexis Sanchez
12/1 Anthony Knockaert, Dele Alli, Gabriel Jesus, Marcus Rashford, Wilfried Zaha
14/1 Ashley Young, Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, Robert Snodgrass
16/1 Daniel Sturridge, Eden Hazard
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20/1 Manuel Lanzini, Marko Arnautovic, Shane Long
25/1 Marouane Fellaini, Paul Pogba, Stefano Okaka
Who do you think will be the first player to be banned for feigning injury or diving?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
(h/t The Mirror)
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football, Premier League, FA, Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling