Soccer: No bling - and that means you too, Becks

Bad news Becks.

Unless you are prepared to shape up and abide by the rules, you will not be allowed to play in the New Zealand Football Championship.

It would all come down to his wedding ring.

While A-league player Damian Mori was unsuccessfully wrestling with his wedding ring sideline at the Members Equity Stadium last Sunday, David Beckham was, his wedding ring taped, playing at home for Real Madrid in their 2-1 loss to Valencia.

If Australian referee Mark Shield - who forbade Mori from playing for Perth Glory against Melbourne Victory and forced a substitution five minutes after kick-off - or any referees in charge of NZFC matches had been at the Bernabeu Stadium, Beckham would not have been allowed to play.

NZFC manager Glyn Taylor, while expressing some sympathy for players says the rule is there in black and white and has to be adhered to.

"Fifa law four states players must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to him(her)self or any other player including jewellery," says Taylor.

"All items of jewellery are potentially dangerous."

The rule further decrees against taping, saying "it is not sufficient".

Taylor says to avoid last-minute problems clubs should inform their players of the requirement.

"Despite our personal feelings, our view is to support the laws of the game. It is a highly sensitive and emotive issue."

One player started last Sunday's NZFC game in Napier wearing a chain around his neck. It was not detected before the match but once sighted by a match official he was called sideline and ordered to remove it.