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FIFA Desperately Need Replay by Jack Greene



Yesterday I was browsing on the 'net and stumbled upon the Inter-AC derby. The game was moving well and both sides were back-and-forth and having chances to score. Suddenly Inter made a wonderful move that saw Adriano (the very first goal scored) supposedly “head” in a wonderful ball from Maicon. Well, that header was definitely not a header (it was a catch the ball with the cradle of your arm and just pad it into goal) and it definitely got me to thinking about how bad replay is needed and just how it could work.


Now I don't want to drastically change the game of football but it definitely needs some changing. These officials (and the higher powers of FIFA) must realize that calls must be made right. What happened in the Super Bowl when the officials weren't sure if James Harrison scored that TD before halftime? Yep, you guessed right they just kept going and didn't worry about making sure it was right. No, that's not the right answer. They checked the video and they made sure that the call was right. 

But what kind of stuff should be reviewed? Only plays directly involving a goal. If a goal is scored then a 5th official will take a look and make sure that no infractions whether it were offsides, handball, pushing, etc. happened and that the call was right. Referees are human and people have to realize that they can't see everything. So, a replay system would greatly help in determining the legitimacy of a goal. But some logistics have to be taken care of.

Where, how, when would this system work? In 2009 the system would be unveiled at the Confederations Cup. This would be a good way to start a new program and if it just didn't work then it could be throw out. So at first the system would be used for FIFA International tourneys and then it would spread to the leagues and even the Champions League competitions. 

So what kind of impact would this have? Well it would have a great impact and would also allow the best of officials to look as good as they are would expose players to the frauds that they can be sometimes. This system would ultimately lead to better football and the confirmation of uncertain calls.

But will something like this happen soon? Probably not. FIFA doesn't always have the resources to do these things but maybe something like this will at least help improve the quality of a World Cup. FIFA need something to change soon because the game is growing too complex not to have a system to sort out this mess. Players are bigger, faster, and stronger and officials are missing things despite their expertise. So I think that we all can agree and say “FIFA PLEASE GET REPLAY.” 

Submitted 2/16/09

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