As we all know, diving is a problem in the game of soccer, and there are certain ways that the governing bodies of soccer discipline those who clearly dive.

In this article, I will focus on the punishments of diving, starting with lesser punishments up to the harsher punishments that usually are not given out to first-time offenders but should be given out to offenders that are caught diving multiple times throughout their careers.

Red Card

The simplest of punishments for diving in a game is the red card.

If a player clearly dives, a yellow card is simply not enough, so a red card is appropriate in this situation.

Penalty Kick for Opponent

Whether or not the dive occurs in the penalty area, where most do occur, the opponent should be awarded a penalty regardless.

If soccer officials are serious about cracking down on diving in the game, the penalty kick reward for the opponent may be a way to start.

Fine by Team or National Federation

The next step up from the in-game punishments are the repercussions after the game.

A fine depending on the player's salary should be given to the player who dives in a game and receives the red card from the official.

Match Suspension

Depending on the severity of the dive, a match suspension could be granted by the higher-ups in soccer.

This has happened before and if the dive is serious enough and happens in a crucial part of the match, a suspension for the next match should be given.

Suspension from International Duty

If the dive happens at the club level and the player is of the quality to make an international squad, the national federation should step in and take action as well.

A suspension by a national federation, in coordination with the domestic league who punishes the diver, will show unity against diving at both the domestic and international level.

Suspension from Major International Competition

This is where it starts to get serious.

Not many players, if any, will ever reach this level but just in case it does come about in the near future, a ban of playing a huge competition like the UEFA Champions League or FIFA World Cup would be a landmark ban for FIFA.

The chances of anyone getting a ban this harsh are slim to none unless there is a repeat offender.

Lifetime Suspension from the Game of Soccer

This is the most serious ban from FIFA and the chances of this happening to anyone at all are very slim.

For someone to get a lifetime ban, they have to anger FIFA a lot, and I do not believe diving will ever cause anybody a lifetime suspension from the game.