BPL controversy after FIFA resists renewed calls for video help for refs

Faced with soccer’s “biggest decision ever,” FIFA said on Saturday it would not be rushed into approving — or even testing — video technology to improve the accuracy of referees’ decisions. But an incident in the English Premier League then highlighted just why the English Football Association pushed FIFA to embrace technology beyond existing goal-line aids, at a meeting of the game’s rule-makers on Saturday. In Manchester United’s game against Sunderland, it appeared the wrong player might have been sent off when a penalty was awarded. Technology already being developed might have cleared up the confusion.

We talked about the fact if the referee relies on information he is getting (from the video referee), is there a risk that the referees become not as strong as they are today because they will always ask for confirmation of any decision in the course of the game?”

FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke

The Dutch federation has been testing a system where officials watching on television feed live information to referees, but the International Football Association Board on Saturday wouldn’t approve any trials in games. The English FA believes IFAB is dragging its heels on expanding the use of technology, just like it did before approving goal-line aids. After years of lobbying for goal-line technology, the FA gained FIFA approval following a glaring error at the 2010 World Cup when England’s Frank Lampard was denied a clear goal.

We’re going to look back in 20 years’ time and say, ‘Wasn’t it quaint that we didn’t use video technology when it was available.’

English Football Association chief Greg Dyke

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