Rio De Janeiro, Oct 24 (IANS) In his bid to revive the Brazil football team, coach Dunga has introduced a new code of conduct for the national squad that includes a ban on baseball caps, earrings, flip-flops and the use of mobile phones during meals.

The 1994 World Cup-winning captain said Thursday that the rules were designed to ensure team harmony and warned players would be punished for breaching the code of conduct, reports Xinhua.

"In any company there are rules of conduct and that's the same for our group," Dunga said.

"I remember when I started playing in the national team, there were rules in place. What we did was change some items that have become important. Each player will be responsible for their actions and punishments could apply."

Other new rules include a requirement to remain seated at meals until everybody has finished eating, obligatory singing of the national anthem before matches and a ban on public religious or political acts.

Dunga's authoritarian approach marks a stark contrast to his predecessor Luiz Felipe Scolari, who was renowned for his laid-back rapport with players.