Technology could figure at next World Cup but snoods banned
Goal-line technology could be in place for the 2014 World Cup if a suitable system is found – but players will no longer be allowed to wear snoods. The International FA Board (IFAB), the game’s law-making body, late Saturday approved experiments on...
Goal-line technology could be in place for the 2014 World Cup if a suitable system is found – but players will no longer be allowed to wear snoods.
The International FA Board (IFAB), the game’s law-making body, late Saturday approved experiments on goal-line systems for an extra year and have banned snoods on safety grounds with immediate effect.
Manchester City players Carlos Tevez, David Silva and Mario Balotelli plus Arsenal stars Samir Nasri and Marouane Chamakh have all favoured the neck-warmers this season but they had already been outlawed by Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.
FIFA believe snoods posed a safety risk if opponents grab them when players are running at speed.
FIFA chief Sepp Blatter explained: “It can also be dangerous, it can be like to hang somebody.”
The IFAB meeting in Newport also agreed to allow UEFA to use their system of five-match officials at the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine next year.
The two extra officials will be behind the goal-line but on the side of the goal next to the assistant referee.
The decision on goal-line technology comes despite 10 systems failing FIFA tests last month.
Blatter admitted Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal in last year’s World Cup had been “blatant... an immense error” and said he would welcome the use of goal-line technology at the 2014 tournament in Brazil if a suitable system can be found.
“If it works definitely, the board will say yes to the technology (next year),” Blatter said.
“And if the board says yes, then there is no problem... there should be no problem to have it in 2014.
“But I have to restrict my natural optimism because the tests we have had so far are not conclusive.”
Blatter said three of the systems had a good chance of passing the tests – they all worked using a magnetic field. Hawkeye’s system would also be looked at.
The IFAB is made up of the four British associations, who each have one vote, and FIFA who have four. Any law change needs at least six votes in favour.
The organisation also approved an experiment for ‘vanishing spray’ to be used in South American football. This is a spray to prevent the wall encroaching on the 10-yard gap at free-kicks which evaporates after a minute.
The rules were also clarified for referees to stop play when an object – such as another ball, or an animal – comes onto the pitch. This follows the incident last season when Darren Bent scored for Sunderland against Liverpool with the ball deflecting in off a beach ball.