By Samindra Kunti
March 28 – The former CEO of the Belgian FA, the KBVB, Steven Martens will become FIFA’s technical director. His move to the world governing body is an interesting if somewhat peculiar appointment in a global role that currently looks to be lacking in definition and objective.
September 22 – The Dutch FA, the KNVB, have completed their first official ‘live’ test of the Video Assistant Referees (VAR) during the Dutch Cup game between Ajax Amsterdam and Willem II. The Tilburg midfielder Anouar Kali became the first player to get sent off via a ruling from the ‘video assistant referee’ (VAR).
August 18 – FIFA has rolled out its ‘FIFA 11+ Kids’ programme into Brazil, partnering with the Brazilian Football Association (CBF) and its association of football doctors (CNMF) as part of the World Cup legacy programme, but handily timed with the Olympic football events in the country.
July 28 – The FA Cup, the world’s oldest and most prestigious domestic knockout competition, breaks new ground this coming season with the introduction of a fourth substitute in extra time for the quarterfinals, semi-finals and final.
July 21 – The first ‘live’ experiments with video refs complete today in New Jersey, US. The trials are part of a workshop organised by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) which governs the rules of the game, in cooperation with the MLS.
July 14 – FIFA has formally launched its new development programme with national associations now able to apply for the first tranche of the $5 million earmarked for them in the four-year cycle.