|
UEFA's Platini Says Goal Line Referees May Officiate
Euro 2012
By Tariq Panja
European soccer president Michel Platini said the use of additional referees
to judge goal-line incidents may be in place for the continent's next
championship in 2012.
Platini made his comments after the International Football Association
Board, soccer's law-making body, approved a trial of the plan today in
Newcastle, Northern Ireland. The use of video goal line technology, which
the group rejected last year, may also be considered.
With increasing amounts of money at stake in competitions such as UEFA's
Champions League and refereeing decisions scrutinized by hi-tech television
cameras, rule makers have been determined to ensure clarity over disputed
goals.
'I am still against a video referee,' Platini told reporters after the
meeting today. 'If you have an additional referee he can see if the ball
is in the goal. I'm sure it will come. By 2012? It's logical.'
Platini said he favors the use of extra officials over technology because
they could rule on other incidents like penalties.
Goal line referees have been used on a trial basis in international youth
competitions and will be rolled out next season in a televised competitive
soccer league played in front of supporters, FIFA general secretary Jerome
Valcke said at a press conference. A final decision on whether to make
the proposal permanent will made at the organization's March 2011 meeting.
'Ready to Experiment'
Valcke said governing bodies in France and Italy have expressed an interest
in hosting the trials, which will probably involve a second-tier league.
Major League Soccer may also be considered, he added.
'We are ready to experiment with the two extra referees and then to evaluate,'
Antonello Valentini, a spokesman for the Italian soccer federation, said
in a statement.
Presentations on goal-line video systems will also be reviewed, officials
said. The technology was deemed too costly and complicated at last year's
meeting.
The ruling body rejected a plan to extend halftime from 15 to 20 minutes
and another to introduce a fourth substitute in matches that go into extra
time. Coaches, including Manchester United's Alex Ferguson, had called
for the rule change.
Bloomberg.com,
February 28, 2009
|
|
