Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Fifa rejects extra officials plan

Fifa has decided against introducing extra linesmen at the 2010 World Cup.

World football's governing body had been tipped to fast-track a decision on goal-line officials in the wake of the furore over Thierry Henry's handball.

Henry's handball led to France's dramatic winner against the Republic of Ireland in their World Cup play-off.

But president Sepp Blatter revealed that an inquiry would be carried out into the benefits of video technology and extra officials.

Blatter said Henry would be investigated by Fifa's disciplinary committee.

The Fifa president said the executive committee had discussed the idea of introducing goal-line officials at the World Cup, as they have been in the Europa League this season.

He continued: "The committee was of the opinion that we are at a crossroads: where shall we go with refereeing in the future?

"The game at the highest level is so tense that it is impossible for one referee and his assistants to see everything."

But the committee concluded that they wanted a full inquiry into both options, extra officials and the use of video technology, before making any decision about the future.

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