Referees not allowed to use video evidence under new rules
The full extent of FIFA’s stance was revealed in a circular sent out yesterday to all national associations and will apply immediately.
The new regulations follow a decision by FIFA’s executive committee last week, when the world governing body announced any player sent off will have to serve an immediate one-match ban with no right to appeal.
It had been understood decisions could still be changed if referees believed they had made an error but that has been ruled out in all circumstances except in the case of mistaken identity.
FIFA’s director of communications Markus Siegler said: ‘‘There has to be a clear distinction between using video evidence to impose sanctions on players who break the rules behind the referee’s back, and using video to change referees’ factual decisions at a later stage.’’
The circular reads: ‘‘In no case can the decision of the referee be modified after the game, as is clearly stated in Law 5 of the Laws of the Game: The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final. The referee may only change a decision on realising that it is incorrect or, at his discretion, on the advice of an assistant referee, provided that he has NOT restarted play.’’
As recently as last week, referee David Pugh changed his mind about a second yellow card he issued to Ivan Campo during a match at Arsenal and the Bolton player escaped suspension.
That scenario will no longer be allowed and Britain’s FIFA vice-president David Will said the English FA had been out of step with the rest of the world in allowing decisions to be overturned by using video evidence.
Will said: ‘‘England had decided to go down this road but they are the exception rather than the rule and now FIFA have decided everyone must apply the same disciplinary regulations.’’
Under the rules, appeals will be allowed against extra suspensions imposed above the one-game ban.
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