Refereeing: The new orders

World Cup referees have been ordered to send off players who "lunge" at opponents, a decree likely to set off a raging debate over exactly what the word means, writes Matt Scott.

The tournament's officials have been apprised of key topics in a circular sent out last week. That document, prepared by Fifa's head of refereeing, Jose-Maria Garcia Aranda, referred to "proactive refereeing" aimed at ensuring "player safety (which) is paramount . . . we must protect the skilful players."

That will see referees issuing red cards for the sort of physical tackle that is ubiquitous in the English game. "Whether with one or two feet, players who lunge for the ball and make contact with an opponent must be dismissed for (serious foul play)," the circular states.

The intention is that this World Cup will be a slicker affair than recent tournaments, particularly the much-derided officiating in Japan and Korea in 2002. To that end referees have sought intelligence on teams they are to handle, having been urged to familiarise themselves with video recordings of previous matches.

Serious foul play

Lunging: Red card

Elbowing (intentional): Red card

Elbowing (reckless): Yellow card

Shirt-pulling: Yellow card

Handball: Foul. Yellow or red card according to circumstances

Simulation (certain, not probable): Yellow card

Shirt removal: Yellow card

Time wasting

Taking free-kick from wrong place: Yellow card

Taking too long to go off after subbed: Yellow card

Kicking or carrying ball away from free-kick: Yellow card

Wrestling ball at free-kick or after goal scored: Yellow card

Delaying throw-in and handing ball to team-mate: Yellow card