18 May 2010Platini backs additional referees

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

UEFA president Michel Platini has come out in favour of the introduction of two additional match officials to assist referees with decision making.

The scheme was trialled throughout last season's UEFA Europa League and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) is due to meet in Zurich today (May 18th 2010) to discuss the implementation of the measure in domestic competitions across the world.

Platini told the Times that the new referees are the best way to reduce the number of incorrect decisions, adding: "We have had the experiment [in the UEFA Europa League] and I hope the IFAB will be in favour of continuing with it."

The Frenchman admitted that the increasing influence of television coverage has forced football's governing bodies to take action, although he suggested that the new referees will not be able to completely eliminate officiating errors.

This week, UEFA will hold its first Grassroots Day, an initiative to encourage more youngsters and amateurs to play football.

Written by Tom Jenkins

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