In what can only be described as a dramatic and seismic shift in attitude, Fifa appear on the verge of introducing a Television Match Official (TMO) for soccer. It comes in the face of mounting pressure from clubs and referees alike.

The Major League Soccer (MLS) organisation in America announced they will start trialling it in friendly matches with a view to designing a system that can be operable across football worldwide within 12 months.

It has to be said that Fifa rejected an application from the Dutch FA (KNVB) to run their own trial.

MLS said they plan to circumnavigate Fifa’s block on trials by staging them in 10 to 15 non-competitive fixtures at the end of October. Officials in the U.S. said that the trial will focus on reviewing decisions in three areas: penalty kicks, red cards, and the awarding of a goal.

While some of the above may be slightly out of date since goal-line technology is already in existence, the move is a step in the right direction.

Referees and their assistants have been under severe pressure in recent times due to the advance in technology both technically and electronically.

For those who may not be aware – at high profile games every single player and match official have a camera on them during the entire game. Each move and decision is covered and scrutinised in the most minute way. Heavens above, you cannot sneeze on the field without it being caught on camera.

Many will say this is a good thing. Many will say not before time.

Let’s take a look at some very important decisions that the ref missed.

 

• 1. Remember the “famous “ goal that Tottenham Hotspur scored at Old Trafford in 2005? The ball was clearly over the line before the keeper managed to scoop it out. The ref and his assistant missed it and the goal was not allowed.
• 2. Remember how Ireland (my home country) were denied a place at the World Cup in South Africa by the hand of former Arsenal player Thierry Henry for France in Paris? He clearly controlled the ball with his hand before crossing to a team-mate to score what proved to be the winning goal and we (Ireland) were out.
• 3. How many players have been red carded by mistakes on the day only to have it overturned on appeal? Too many I hear you say. And the list goes on and on.

There are many arguments for and against the introduction of this device.

Those for say it will make the game too “robotic”. It will take away the unpredictability of the game and make it less exciting. Many enjoy the during, and after game debate and discussion. They argue that soccer has never relied on technology – why now?

Others say not much will change by having a TMO. There will still be the two teams and the match officials on the field of play. All that will be needed is an extra few minutes, perhaps less, to ensure that the team that deserves to win DOES win.

They also add that the excitement of waiting on a decision from the TMO, as they do in cricket and rugby, will add to the excitement and drama.

As I see it, there is so much at stake in top games today that it is inevitable that a TMO will come in sooner or later. Perhaps sooner rather than later.

Reasons?

• 1. There is so much money in the game that it’s vital that the correct decisions are made and seen to be made.
• 2. Why should referees be at the wrong end of the stick when it comes to criticism on alleged mistakes they’ve made?
• 3. Is it not in everyone’s interest to clarity crucial decisions like the ones mentioned above?

While the transition may take a bit of getting used to as most new systems do, the end can only be good for the game.

The amount of money involved in the sport and the need for the correct decisions to be arrived at is now paramount.

I have no doubt that the referees will certainly welcome it. I’m sure the clubs and players will also welcome it. And I think most spectators, while initially not in favour, will come around to agreeing that it is for the best.

Bring it on and the sooner the better.

Happy Whistling

Dr Errol Sweeney 
World Cup Referee Coach & Mentor