January 15 – The German Football Association has expressed its interest in testing video replay technology at the highest level domestically if the game’s rulemakers give the idea the thumbs up in March.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), at its interim meeting last week, recommended trialling video replays to help referees with questionable goals, penalties, red cards and cases of mistaken identity. A final ruling will be made at IFAB’s main session in Cardiff.
DFB referees chief Herbert Fandel said trials could include matches in the top two Bundesliga divisions.
“We have a great interest to be in the front row when this pilot project begins,” Fandel told the DFB website. “That is why we are eagerly awaiting the final decision.
“As early as November last year the (DFB) referee commission sent as letter to FIFA saying very clearly that Germen referees not only want to be part of possible tests but want to play a leading role.”
IFAB approved the use of goalline technology in 2012 and since then there have been growing calls from players and coaches to extend that to other contentious areas of the game. Initially there was strong resistence from FIFA but world football’s governing body is now softening is stance.
The Dutch are also keen to use video technology in live games and everything now hinges on the March meeting of IFAB which comprises FIFA and the four British associations.
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