Exclusive: Ex-FIFA ref raises Ethan Ampadu captaincy concern at Leeds United
Daniel Farke has a difficult choice to make over Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu ahead of next season, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the manager must decide if the Welshman is suitable for the role as the Whites prepare for the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Having taken the armband from Pascal Struijk last summer, Ampadu helped lead the club to promotion last season, though he only started 29 of 46 Championship matches.
He remained a key part of Farke’s squad throughout the campaign, featuring in both midfield and at centre-back, yet Hackett has raised new concerns over his current role on the pitch.
Daniel Farke could change Leeds United captain
During a goalless draw against Man United on Saturday, 19 July, the 24-year-old appeared to struggle with the pace of play, making three fouls against the likes of Matheus Cunha and Amad Diallo in just 45 minutes.
With 24 yellow cards and one red card in his last three league seasons, Ampadu is no stranger to a caution, and neither is Jaka Bijol, who is set to be suspended for their opener against Everton.
The additional rule of only captains being allowed to address referees during a match next season also throws another concern into the mix as the Whites prepare for a likely battle against relegation.
Ethan Ampadu’s role called into question
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee suggested the player may need additional training, saying: “Daniel Farke has to take into account: Is this player, who is captain of his team and the conduit of conversation between the referee and himself, suitable for that role?
“What additional training does the captain require to deal with the referee? This is about the player understanding conflict management. It’s a difficult one, especially when only the captain can speak to the referee.
“There’s got to be a reasonable relationship formed, one of trust. This can be a benefit, but it may also work the other way.
“If he picks up an early yellow card, and later in the game, the team are not awarded a penalty, what level of verbal dissent is the referee going to absorb before Ampadu receives a second yellow card?”