Former Netherlands soccer team striker and manager Marco van Basten says Fifa is discussing whether to allow only captains to speak to referees.
It would bring football in line with rugby union, which has strict rules around in‑match communication.
Van Basten, Fifa's chief technical development officer, said there have been talks about how to improve player behaviour and respect for officials.
He says there are a lot of players now who are complaining during a game.
Speaking to the BBC, the former Ajax and AC Milan forward added: he is sure the behaviour of the players can be better.
At the start of this season, English football announced plans to reduce "intolerable behaviour" by issuing red cards to players who confront match officials, use offensive language or make gestures towards them.
Meanwhile, a number of English Premier League matches will be played on Tuesday morning where Manchester United will face Sunderland, Chelsea will play Bournemouth and Arsenal will take on West Brom.
