Why Slovenia got away with breaking UEFA's Euro 2024 rule during drab England draw

Slovenia managed to get around a newly implemented UEFA regulation during their drab draw with England on Tuesday.

Progressing to the Euro 2024 knockout phases, both sides played out an uninspiring 0-0 draw in Cologne, with Slovenia producing a solid defensive display while England were bereft of answers to crack their opponents' resistance.

England's prime opportunity materialised when Harry Kane found Cole Palmer, yet the Chelsea ace's tame shot was comfortably stopped by Jan Oblak.

Slovenia captain Oblak's position has presented a unique conundrum for his side due to the UEFA's new rule aimed at reducing player dissent toward match officials.

In accordance to the guidelines that permit only a team captain to address the referee, Slovenia had to designate an outfield player to liaise with the official due to Oblak often being far away from incidents.

Jaka Bijol, identified by Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek before Euro 2024, is fulfilling this role instead. "Jaka Bijol will communicate with the referees," the manager said before the tournament.

"If we haven't had issues with referees due to our behaviour on the field so far, I believe it will be the same in Germany. At the same time, we're talking about football, emotions anyone can get carried away, even me. But this is Euro 2024, where only the best in Europe will remain in the game."

Udinese defender Bijol picked up a caution for a challenge on Kane in the second period, before jubilantly celebrating Slovenia's progression to the last-16 after their third consecutive draw.

Slovenia do not face the conundrum on their own however with Denmark opting for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to step up with captain Kasper Schmeichel between the posts while Italy's skipper is Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Roberto Rosetti, UEFA's chief refereeing officer, shed light on the recent captaincy directive changes ahead of the tournament, noting: "We shared the idea with the EURO 2024 coaches and spoke about this topic inside our UEFA Football Board, with top players, former players and coaches.

"And, all together, we agreed about this situation and then went to the teams. They are happy about this. We are doing this not for the referees or the UEFA Referees Committee, but for football, the image of the game and the next generation.

"These sessions [with the teams] were very productive. All the players interacted in a very good way they wanted to know how we wanted to apply this open dialogue with the captains and they were absolutely satisfied about this. I am sure it will be a fantastic example for the next era of football."