FIFA to try out Four Linesmen System

By: Bob | May 2nd, 2007

With the exception of a certain octogenarian, we all know that is tough out there for referees. The game is played at such a fast pace these days that it is often difficult for a referee and his assistants to keep up with the action let alone determine who is a player and who is a mascot. FIFA head honcho Sepp Blatter believes that he has a solution that will make all of our lives better.

Blatter is eager to add two more linesmen into the mix and he is looking to give the idea a try either at the European U-17 championships this summer or at the World U-17 or U-20 competitions.

Blatter had indicated in a Swiss magazine interview on Tuesday that the two extra “linesmen” would have whistles and the power to intervene directly from the touchline, although the exact configuration would depend on trials.

Under FIFA’s thinking, the two additional lines man would act as back-ups for the referee, expanding his line of vision especially in the penalty area or during free kicks, while existing linesmen would continue to guard the touchline and flag offside.

It is an interesting idea and it is one supported by UEFA boss Michel Platini. I just wonder if it is truly necessary and what it might lead to. The image of blurry YouTube clips of multiple referees running into each other in Keystone Cops fashion somehow comes to mind. Games with endless stoppages also would be a possibility.

Speaking of referees, we all know how some coaches – or at least a certain coach – in the English Premier League have bitched and moaned that their clubs have gotten hosed by the officials this year. There is a site called U Need Specs Ref that has been keeping track of incorrect calls and how they have impacted the league table. As you can see, there is little difference between the actual table and the corrected table. Maybe those refs don’t need specs after all.

What do you think? Is adding additional referees the best solution or even necessary?

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Category: English Premier League, World Football

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Sam

Video is a good idea, but only for ball over the line. Or else, refs will vanish off the face of the earth, and I'm one of them.
Satine

Where would most of the tv commentators, columnists and youtubers be if they can't bitch about possible false decisions by the referee?
Look at the German league to see "endless stoppages" - trust me, you get used to it.
Seriously, I don't think it's a good idea to add linesmen. I've watched exactly one american football game in my life and after 3 minutes they stopped the game because one of the managers requested a video evidence of a certain situation. I don't want it to happen to "our" football.
Peter

Why not just adopt video technology for goal line disputes and be done with it?