Feyenoord-Heerenveen used to showcase new technology

Following a decision by the International Board to recommend the introduction of video technology into football, the Royal Dutch Football Federation, in partnership with Fox Sports, broadcast a match between Feyenoord and Heerenveen live from the perspective of a video referee.

The foolproof system works along the same line as the one already in place in rugby. A truck was parked outside of the stadium with monitors that allowed for a slow-motion monitoring of play from different perspectives. Inside the truck where two refereeing specialists, watching the match live on one screen and with a delay on another. Whenever needed, the pair looked at the particular situation and were equipped with a button to alert the referee on the pitch. Although the International Board has already recommended use of the technology, official authorisation is yet to come through. During the coming two pilot seasons, the match referee will be briefed at the end of the match, rather than in real time.

The video referee project has already been in place in the Netherlands since last season, with specialists aiming to tackle any doubts on penalties, off-sides, discipline or goals. The Dutch were quick to affirm their support of the decision to use the technology to assist referees and are looking to use the system in the KNVB Beker (Dutch Cup), while the English Football Association is also considering using the tool in next season's FA Cup. 

President Bruno de Carvalho reacts to IFAB decision on new technologies

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) today announced testing for the use of video technology in football in support of the sport's referees. Speaking about the decision,  president Bruno de Carvalho proved satisfied.

“It is a really important step. Yesterday I said that one of the characteristics of a leader is perseverance and we have to have clearly defined objectives. As everybody knows, I met with FIFA, which is part of the IFAB. We spoke for several hours about the theme of new technologies in football. I had already said several times that I had no doubt that sooner or later new technologies would have to come into football. This is a really good bit of news for everyone who loves football and for me as the president of Sporting, because it is another example that it is worth believing that the sport is going to modernise and is going to change. I have said it several times: the people in charge of football have understood that people are tired. They want a credible sport and that is what I have fought for since I started. This is not only important for me or for Sporting, but for the whole world of football", affirmed Bruno de Carvalho, adding: “About the issue of funds, I have no doubt that the next step to take will be the creation of possibilities for good financial partners to get involved in football. This is an experimental step, but it is a change in mentality and I have no doubt that football will have to fight hard change everything. This is great news for everybody, especially those who have fought for almost three years now. Three years ago we were here talking and people said that funds would never end and new technologies would come into football. After three years, the truth is that after a hard fight people have seen that football is important. It is a sport that moves millions, but there are millions more who want to enjoy it too."

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