UEFA are 'protecting the game' after overturning controversial new FIFA rules - Keith Wyness
UEFA are trying to establish themselves as "guardians of the game" after deciding against using some of FIFA's new rules from this summer's World Cup moving forward.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the European governing body are actively trying to counter the changes made by FIFA.
This comes after UEFA confirmed that they will not utilise the controversial 'mistaken identity' VAR rule, which saw Breel Embolo sent off in Switzerland's quarter-final defeat to Argentina.
Wyness believes that UEFA are "quite right" not to carry that ruling into European competitions, and are trying to be "strong" amid FIFA's recent changes.
The governing body will not allow acts of simulation to be punished as part of a review of a challenge for a separate offence.
They have also confirmed that they won't be issuing red cards for players who cover their mouths during games, provided that no discriminatory language is used.
Keith Wyness: UEFA deserve praise for their stand against FIFA
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that UEFA deserve praise for their decision to distance themselves from FIFA's new rules.
Tensions are currently high between the two governing bodies, amid recent reports that UEFA intend to run a candidate against Gianni Infantino at FIFA's next presidential election.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained why UEFA are right not to force the new rules on European football.
"I see very clearly here UEFA almost protecting the game in some way, and I think FIFA are too easily led in terms of trying things out," he said.
"There are plenty of tournaments and competitions to try things. I don't think that this was the right place to do it. In terms of the mistaken identity, I think it's quite right for UEFA not to carry that forward because it isn't about re-refereeing.
"If there is a player that's got mistaken identity, then that's one thing, but this is not what they used it for in that case (Embolo). In terms of covering the mouth, UEFA have said clearly it could be a maximum yellow, which allows a chance for things to be investigated properly.
"Of course, if somebody is found guilty of racism, et cetera, which is completely wrong, then of course there could be a future sanction and some sort of ban in that case.
"It's become second nature to some players, so I think a yellow card, which UEFA are proposing, is probably the right way to do it.
"UEFA have had to be strong in trying to be guardians of the game as we know it and stop the creep of some of the things that are coming in right now."
Will UEFA succeed in overthrowing Gianni Infantino?
Wyness previously told Football Insider last week that UEFA's growing plot to overthrow Infantino is highly unlikely to actually succeed.
The Swiss-born businessman is currently the overwhelming favourite to retain his position again at the next presidential election in 2027.
Wyness believes that the 56-year-old already has enough votes nailed down from the other confederations to guarantee victory, even if every UEFA member were to vote against him.
The Scottish businessman made it clear that he expects UEFA's plan to "die down" in the coming weeks, as they begin to realise that their efforts are futile.