The Nobel Peace Centre and Norway’s football association have announced a new promotion for peace on the pitch – the captains’ handshake.

Under the program, dubbed Handshake for Peace, captains of Norway’s football clubs will share a special handshake before and after the game.

They will also be obliged to thank the referee.

Organisers said on Friday they hope these gestures will improve goodwill and fraternity in both the game and society as a whole, which they said is lacking.

The program will begin later this month at the start of the season and last through the end of 2016.

Organisers say those who violate the program can be punished with a yellow or red card.