Managers will be banned from making comments about
a referee before the match under rule changes announced by the
Football Association.
Any manager who makes derogatory remarks about a match official
before a game will face disciplinary action.
The FA will also toughen up on the harassment of match officials
by players.
In relation to comments about referees, the FA said in a
statement: "Clubs are being advised that any media comments by
managers, players or any other club officials relating to appointed
match officials prior to a fixture will no longer be allowed - such
pre-match comments will be deemed improper and dealt with
accordingly.
"Post-match comments in relation to match officials and
incidents are still permitted provided they are not personal in
their nature, imply bias or attack the integrity of the officials
in charge of the match, or in any other respect bring the game into
disrepute."
Last season, Everton boss David Moyes questioned Mike Riley's
appointment as referee for the FA Cup semi-final with Manchester
United, saying it had been suggested to him that the official was a
United supporter.
After the game, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said Moyes'
remarks may have influenced Riley in a crucial decision when Danny
Welbeck appeared to have been fouled in the area by Phil Jagielka.
No spot-kick was awarded, and Everton went on to win a penalty
shoot-out.
Riley has since been appointed as the new Premier League
referees' chief.
Under other rule changes, clubs can now be charged if three or
more players surround the referee in a "confrontational manner".
Previously the charge required officials to report "harassment or
intimidation" by three or more players.
Meanwhile, managers and coaches who are reported for misconduct
in the technical area will now be subject to a fast-track
disciplinary system taking three or four weeks - much quicker than
previously when such cases could drag on for months.