Extra referee experiment expanded from 2010-11

Extra referee experiment expanded from 2010-11

Published Jul. 21, 2010 10:53 p.m. ET

Football's lawmaking panel has expanded the experimental use of two extra assistant referees into competitions including Europe's Champions League from the 2010-11 season.

The use of officials behind the goals was tested in last season's Europa League and the International Football Association Board said Wednesday it will rule in 2012 whether they will be adopted permanently.

Adding to the traditional referee and two linesmen is designed to help with difficult decisions, such as whether the ball has crossed the line for a goal.

The continued experiment means any decision on the use of goal-line video technology may be postponed further. IFAB meets next in October to decide the agenda for its March get-together.

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The debate on goal-line technology debate was rekindled at the World Cup last month when England was denied a goal against Germany because officials failed to see that a shot by Frank Lampard crossed the line after bouncing down from the crossbar.

Had the goal been awarded, the score would have been 2-2 after 38 minutes. Instead, Germany went on to win the second-round match 4-1.

It happened again this week at FIFA's women's under-20 World Cup in Germany.

A shot from France's Lea Rubio struck the bar, bounced over the line and spun back into play but English referee Alexandra Ihringova waved away claims for a goal and ordered play to continue.

Germany again won 4-1. The official match report on FIFA's website did not mention the incident.

''Technology is the cure. It's going to happen. You've got to have goal-line technology. It's a must,'' Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said at a news conference Wednesday ahead of a preseason friendly against the New York Red Bulls.

''I went to watch games last year and even with the guy behind the goal, they still got it wrong. In the end, I think it's too many cooks. I don't think that's a great idea, but the technology I've been saying for years is something that has to happen. It's in every sport - certainly in England.''

IFAB's technical subcommittee, which met in Cardiff, Wales, ruled that national associations, confederations or competitions must cover the cost of the experiment.

It has been approved for a total nine competitions including France's League Cup, Brazil's Rio de Janeiro Championship and Asia's President's Cup club tournament.

Three other events could take place if their ruling bodies agree.

CONCACAF general secretary Chuck Blazer said Mexico applied to be involved after Argentina was credited with a goal from an offside position against the Mexicans at the World Cup.

Both Mexico's Apertura and Clausura tournaments will feature the trial.

''They said, `It would be really great if our league could be involved.' They were very receptive,'' Blazer said. ''It's not a light undertaking.''

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AP Sports Writers Graham Dunbar in Geneva and Ron Blum in New York contributed to this report.

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