By Andrew Warshaw
July 14 – UEFA President Michel Platini’s disdain for the advent of goal-line technology has been made abundantly clear with the announcement that his preferred “human” system of two additional assistants will continue in the Champions League and Europa League next season.
Earlier this month, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the game’s lawmakers, gave the green light for both methods to be used but Platini, a firm opponent of technology, has long stated his competitions will not go down the technology road for the foreseeable future.
“In essence, the additional assistant referees provide two extra pairs of eyes to monitor the game and ensure that the Laws of the Game are upheld,” UEFA said in a statement that clearly had the Platini touch.
“They inform the referee of incidents of any kind that he may otherwise have missed, particularly in key areas of the field like the penalty area and its surroundings.
“The referee will remain in sole charge of the match, and the only match official with decision-making powers.”
A report by UEFA following the recent European Championships found there was far less misbehaviour in and around the box as a result of employing additional assistants.
UEFA will thus continue using them from the playoffs in the coming season’s Champions League and the group stage of the Europa League as well as the UEFA Super Cup.
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