2010 FIFA World Cup- English Football Association forces FIFA to reopen Video Technology debate.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter apologised to the FA, after a clear goal in the England vs. Germany game was disallowed, denying England to equalise before half-time.
England was 2-0 against Germany when things began to change and a goal from Upson mid-way in the first half gave England some hope. They came back strongly and moments later, Lampard unleashed a powerful strike which hit the underside of the cross bar and bounced almost a yard inside the German goal line. No referee saw it pop in the back line and the goal was disallowed. This single incident crushed the English spirits and the three lions never looked like coming back into the game. The Germans pounced on the situation and scored two more goals to make it 4-1. The coach, manager and players singled out this incident as the major reason of being humiliated by the Germans in South Africa 2010.
As Lampard’s goal was disallowed, pressure on FIFA increased, who have been criticised for not using video technology to decide on ambiguous goals and fouls. This World Cup in South Africa has seen a number referee errors which is why FIFA President has agreed to reopen this debate. He is expected to reveal some changes in FIFA’s uncompromising stance on this contentious issue. He also apologised to the Mexico Football governing body, after an offside goal by Tevez put Argentina 1-0 ahead in the Round of 16. The goal was a clear offside, but the linesman failed to acknowledge the foul, and the goal was allowed. He added that FIFA will discuss this issue in July at the business meeting of the International board. He said that it was obvious for FIFA to look into the matter, following the amount of incidents so far in this World Cup. He stated that he himself abhors the fact that due to referee’s evident mistakes, the matches take a significant turn, but said that it was not the end of the world. He understands the seriousness of the situation, but would need to be careful and not ruin the charm of the game.
Video technology has been introduced in two major games such as tennis and cricket. In tennis, players can now appeal for a total of three times in a game. This gives the players an advantage to challenge the referee’s decision on the point which may be awarded due to lack of clear vision ambiguity. Cricket, on the other hand, uses the third umpire rule for a long time, to decide on run out decision. Apart from this, newer rules have been injected, giving these teams an even greater authority. Each team, like in tennis, can now challenge the umpire decision on leg before wicket decisions and catches, for a total of three times in a match. This gives cricketers more freedom to clear doubts, and test the umpire’s credibility.
Sepp Blatter added that he spoke to the football bodies of both England and Mexico and directly apologised to them. He knew that they were not happy with the decisions and that people were criticising FIFA for the unfortunate incidents. He added that FIFA will take its first opportunity to discuss it in July at the International Board meeting.
FIFA has been under heavy fire on this controversial issue. It has not been the first time that FIFA has been criticized on this issue. In the World Cup qualifiers, France defeated Ireland, following a hand ball goal in the dying moments of the match. Henry “juggled” the ball to control it and passed to his teammate who scored, denying Ireland to qualify. The Irish players and Football Association was furious, and asked for a possible rematch. They were denied a goal and France qualified. Henry apologised to the Irish, but it was not enough. Even when domestic leagues are played, many fouls and illegal goals are allowed as referees are put under pressure that might not have the right vantage point to decide. Referees do get most of the decisions right, but some of their decisions are just too important to be messed up. FIFA is likely to introduce the video technology into football, as it may well be fair to everyone.
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