Euro 2000 to see rule changes

Euro 2000 will see the introduction of two new rule changes.

Goalkeepers will have less than six seconds to release the ball from their possession at any time in the match and assistant referees will allowed onto the pitch for the first time to aid referees and particularly enforce the 10 metre rule for a team defending a free kick.

New rule changes are usually held over for the start of a season but the Euro 2000 final is on July 2nd with qualification rounds for next season's UEFA Cup starting on July 1st.

Assistant referees will also be allowed onto the pitch to advise the senior match official if the wrong player is cautioned. previously cases of mistaken identity could only be dealt with after a match was over.

Powers for the fourth official who is an observer are also to be widened.

There is also a new rule for penalty shot outs. If a team finishes a match with fewer players that han the opposition and a penalty shoot out takes place the team with the extra player or players must reduce their number to be equal with the opposition.