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Diving (or simulation - this is the term used by FIFA) in the context of football is an attempt by a player to gain an unfair advantage by diving to the ground, and possibly simulating an injury, to simulate a foul after a tackle by an opponent. A dive may be exaggerating the amount of contact present in a challenge, or it may be a clear-cut dive where no contact is involved at all; however, such clear cut dives are comparatively rare. Deciding on whether a player has dived is very subjective, and one of the most controversial aspects of football discussion. Players do this so they can receive free kicks or penalty kicks, which can provide scoring opportunities, or so the opposing player receives a yellow or red card, giving their own team an advantage.
Punishment
Football referees and the governing body FIFA are now trying to prevent diving with more powerful punishments as part of their ongoing target to stop all kinds of simulation in football. The game's rules now state that "Any simulating action anywhere on the field, which is intended to deceive the referee, must be sanctioned as unsporting behaviour" which is misconduct punishable by a yellow card.Laws of the Game, Law 12, Decision 5 The rule changes are in response to an increasing trend of diving and simulation.
With more referees, governors and members of the public looking out for people diving, football players could think twice about diving or simulation. Most people involved in football think that diving is a harmful element of the game, and that many teams have lost games unfairly because of it. Many fans say the game will be much improved and more enjoyable without diving. Some fans however, enjoy good acting, especially when their team is successful in getting the call.
Incidents
During the 1998 World Cup, in the quarter-finals matchup between Argentina and the Netherlands, Ariel Ortega received a red card for headbutting Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, after van der Sar confronted Ortega on the his play-acting attempt to draw a penalty. Ortega had already been cautioned by the referee for diving. Jones, P. (1998, July 4). Long-awaited revenge - The Netherlands pay back controversial loss to Argentina. In CNN/SI - World Cup France '98. Retrieved on July 18, 2006.You're out! - Ortega receives three game suspension for headbutting. (1998, July 5). In CNN/SI - World Cup France '98. Retreived on July 18, 2006)
A notorious incident of a player not caught simulating until after the match occurred during the Brazil - Turkey group stage match during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Rivaldo was about to take a corner Hakan Ünsal of Turkey passed him back the ball, as Turkey wanted to hurry up the game. The ball hit Rivaldo softly on his legs but he collapsed dramatically holding his face and consequently Ünsal was sent off. Rivaldo was fined, but the sanctions were criticised as too lenient.
References
External link
"Diving (football)"