2 Jun 2009Five officials for UEFA Europa League next season

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance | Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media | Football Technology and Stadia

A new trial is to be extended to the UEFA Europa League next season, with five officials being involved in the decision-making process during matches.

Two extra officials are to be used, alongside the typical referee and two linesmen, with the main aim of keeping a close eye on events which occur within the penalty box.

They are to be positioned behind the goal line and are a follow up on the successfully completed trial that took place during the UEFA Under-19 Championship last autumn.

UEFA president Michel Platini said: "Everyone agrees on the need to help referees.

"With football getting ever faster and the players ever fitter, it sometimes seems the men in black face a mission impossible. Two extra pairs of eyes focusing on the penalty areas are of valuable assistance to the referee."

Members of the International FA Board have given their permission for the trial to continue.

Next year will mark the first time the tournament is called the UEFA Europa League rather than the UEFA Cup, with Shakhtar Donetsk beating Werder Bremen in this season's final last month.

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