27 Nov 2009SFA chief considers fresh push for video replays

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance | Football Technology and Stadia

Gordon Smith, the chief executive of the Scottish Football Association (SFA), could launch a new drive to bring video replays into the game.

Last year, the SFA was unsuccessful in its attempt to convince the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to trial a replay system, but Smith is unwilling to give up on the concept.

Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: "I don't think referees will be undermined. It will mean we get the right decision in matches."

Under Smith's proposed system, each manager would be permitted to use video technology to challenge two decisions per match.

He is now considering whether to raise the issue at the next meeting of the IFAB in March 2010.

However, it is thought that FIFA may prefer the system of using an extra assistant referee behind each goal-line, which is currently being piloted in the UEFA Europa League.

Any IFAB deliberation must be approved by at least six votes. Each UK football association has a single vote and FIFA holds four votes.

Written by Mark Thompson

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