Ex-FIFA official wants PGMOL to 'stretch' new rule as Moises Caicedo accused of cheating

The Premier League and PGMOL need to "stretch" the new rule surrounding player timeouts after Moises Caicedo was left furious.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Chelsea star may have been caught cheating during Ecuador's 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast on Monday, 15 June.

After just 20 minutes, the midfielder was asked to stay off the pitch for a total minute, despite not seeking any medical attention, as part of the new rules at the 2026 World Cup.

This came after Caicedo fell to the floor inside the Ecuador penalty area. He simply couldn't believe that referee François Letexier had asked him to wait on the sidelines.

Going berserk for the entire minute, the midfielder was possibly lucky to avoid a caution, and the incident provides more food for thought ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Reviewing the footage, Hackett has suggested that the player may reconsider throwing himself to the floor next time, especially if the Premier League bring in the same rule next season.

Moises Caicedo caught in the act as Ecuador star lashes out

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee wants acts of simulation punished more harshly, and this new rule would be a huge deterrent.

"Well, hopefully, it will be introduced [to the Premier League]. For me, I think this gives the referee an opportunity to punish acts of simulation if they stretch it a little bit," he said.

"First of all, I was pleased that he applied it because I saw the clip and you suddenly go, ‘This is how this law was going to be interpreted and I think he was right even though the player was on the end of a challenge’.

"It's hard for me to say that Caicedo was unlucky. I understand his frustration, but I think this law is there for that purpose: to stop players from going down too easily."

While Caicedo was awarded a free-kick, he has been accused of going down "too easily". Next time, he might reconsider throwing himself to the floor.

Chelsea star outshone by Man United's Amad Diallo

It wasn't be for Caicedo and the Ecuador national team, who were on a 19-game unbeaten streak before losing 1-0 to Ivory Coast.

And it was Manchester United star Amad Diallo who broke Ecuador hearts in the 90th minute, sliding home the winner following an incredible run from Wilfried Singo.

With just two goals and three assists, it has been a difficult campaign for the 23-year-old, but he sent a timely reminder back to Old Trafford of his abilities.

Arsenal's Piero Hincapie also impressed at full-back, while Nottingham Forest midfielder Ibrahim Sangare came off the bench to consolidate the win.