Referee's faults
An interesting article on the subject was published in a local English daily on 25 June. It reiterated the resistance of FIFA to improving the standard of refereeing, and making it more error free. In contrast, the referral system with the third umpire in cricket, has greatly reduced the chances of errors in taking close and marginal decisions. Why cannot the same system be introduced in football? FIFA needs to wake up from its deep sleep on the matter!
Football too should have a referral system so that a third referee gives the decision, based on instant TV replays. However, since there may be many infringements, as football is a very fast and dynamic game, the number of referrals may be limited to three for each team, a total of maximum six referrals in a match. May be this will add another 15 minutes to the game. However, that advantages are far more than the little extra time taken, which happens when penalty shoot-outs are needed.
FIFA must seriously consider this rational option. If needed, like hockey, they too can consider having two referees and four linesmen, so that one set of referee and two linesmen control each half of the football pitch.
This will improve the standard and accuracy of decisions in the game, and both players and the fans will appreciate it.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments