Apologetic Blatter opens door for video technology

JOHANNESBURG - With both Mexico and England suffering due to refereeing errors, FIFA president Sepp Blatter Tuesday said the world soccer body will reopen the debate on introducing video technology and also apologised to both the teams.

“Naturally we deplore when you see the evidence of refereeing mistakes,” said Blatter.

Blatter said that at a meeting of its rule-making panel in Wales next month, FIFA will “reopen the file” on video technology. Blatter also admitted that it would be “a nonsense” for the International Football Association Board not to consider changes.

“Naturally we will take on board again the discussion about technology. Something has to be changed,” Blatter said.

While apologising to both England and Mexico, Blatter said: “The English said ‘thank you.’ The Mexicans, they just go with the head. I understand that they are not happy. It was not a five-star game for refereeing.”

“I understand the criticism. It is your right to criticise such situations.”

In Sunday’s pre-quarterfinal match between Germany and England, Frank Lampard’s shot come off the underside of the crossbar and landed clearly behind the goal-line, but Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda turned it down. Had the goal been allowed, England would have levelled 2-2 with Germany, who eventually won the match 4-1 and advanced to quarterfinals.

In the next match between Argentina and Mexico, Carlos Tevez was clearly offside when he struck the opening goal, but Italian referee Roberto Rosetti allowed it. Argentina won the match 3-1.

The howlers created worldwide pressure, forcing FIFA to re-think the use of technology in decision making.

Blatter said FIFA has set a deadline of October or November to create a new concept for improving match control at top tournaments.