FIFA Use The Magic Word: “Technology”.

July 8th, 2010 | by: chris |

information-technology When Howard Webb blows for time on Sunday, he’ll be ushering in one phase of history, the first European winner on non-European soil, while perhaps ushering out another: World Cup refereeing as we know it.

It’s not quite a big secret that the refereeing this tournament has been subpar at best, and FIFA, in a very un-FIFA move, appear to have resigned themselves to actually doing something about it. In fact, they appear to be coming around on technology, albeit 62 games too late and only beginning with goal-line technology, but going so far as saying this is likely to be the final World Cup “with the current refereeing system”.

Jerome Valcke was interviewed by the BBC, speaking for a nation of people peeved that Frank Lampard’s goal against Germany wasn’t counted.

“We’re talking about a goal not seen by the referee which is why we are talking about new technology,” said Valcke.

Fifa’s general secretary also suggested that the use of two extra referees positioned on the goal-line – a system trialled last season in the Europa League and set to be used in the Champions League this coming season – might be used in future World Cups.

“Let’s see if this system will help or whether giving the referee an additional four eyes will give him the comfort and make duty easier to perform,” added Valcke.

“I would say that it is the final World Cup with the current refereeing system.”

“The teams and the players are so strong and so fast. The game is different and the referees are older than all the players,” said Valcke.

“The game is so fast, the ball is flying so quickly, we have to help them and we have to do something and that’s why I say it is the last World Cup under the current system.”

This is of course one issue in a laundry list of wrongs during this World Cup, but for an organization which has been so stubborn in admitting what is sitting right in front of them, it is an enormous step to even hint that something like technology is on the horizon. Coming good on it is another matter entirely, of course, but this has been so necessary for so long we’re begging just for the smallest of morsels to be dropped our way, so that the athletes can be the ones who ultimately decide the games. A very small step, but a step nonetheless.

And if Frank Lampard’s goal is what ultimately tipped the balance, someone get that man a winner’s medal too.

Tags: England, FIFA, Franck Lampard, germany, goal line technology, Jerome Valcke, referee, World Cup 2010

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dye_go

I'd rather technology than extra officials. Some calls are just too hard for humans. Look at Hurst's 1966 goal. There are 30 minute specials centered around one goal that nobody can fully agree on. I don't know a whole lot about goal-line technology, but I have a feeling in situations where it's THAT close (Italy's non-goal versus Slovakia also comes to mind), it'll be better than an extra referee.
Bense235

Before implementing technology, they'll have refs number 5 and 6 on the goal lines.
Marco P.

So there is hope after all...
OffsideSarah

I think FIFA will do more to improve the referring but it will be a way that uses the least technology as possible- so likely adding goal line referees in lieu of video tech...

I'm all for professionalizing and empowering referees-but not at the expense of fair play. The drama may add to the tension and entertainment in the World Cup-but I feel bad for players who have worked their whole lives for that moment to have it thrown away (most of the time,clearly not intentionally) by wrong decisions.