FIFA to trial video replays next year with A-League keen to get on-board as soon as possible

VIDEO replays could be used to assist referees in the A-League next season.

VIDEO replays could be used to assist referees in the A-League next season.

Australia is one of 12 countries to have put its hand up to pioneer video technology in the wake of the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) decision to experiment with replay consultation for “game changing” incidents.

New FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in Cardiff on Sunday that the decision to trial video checks for goals, penalties, red cards and mistaken identity was a “historic decision” for a sport that has long thumbed its nose at use of technology.

And while FIFA said trials were only to take place before the 2017-18 season, Football Federation Australia is understood to be keen to implement trials as soon as possible.

Under the new system, the “goal” Melbourne Victory’s Gui Finkler scored in last month’s derby — a free kick that hit the underside of the crossbar, bounced clearly over the line but was not awarded by the referee — would have been reviewed and allowed.

In welcoming IFAB’s decision, FFA chief executive David Gallop confirmed Australia is “among the 12 national associations who have lodged an expression of interest” in hosting technology trials.

“In our view, the A-League would provide an ideal environment, given that the Australian TV industry has years of experience and technology know-how in this area,” Gallop said.

“We spoke to IFAB officials on the sidelines of the FIFA Congress in Zurich last week and we will be contacting IFAB and FIFA again this week to press Australia’s credentials to be at the forefront of this exciting development.”

Infantino said one of FIFA’s main concerns is that use of technology should not disrupt match flow.

“We are applying commonsense,” Infantino said.

“We have to be cautious, but we are also open to look into matters and take concrete measures and steps forward.”

Among other rule changes announced by IFAB yesterday was a decision to trial, in a yet to be determined country, the use of a fourth substitute for games that reach extra time.

The “triple punishment rule” has also been amended.

In instances where defenders have made a legitimate attempt to tackle inside the penalty area they will not be sent off and subsequently suspended, as a penalty against his or her side is deemed to be punishment enough.

Originally published as FIFA to trial video replays next year with A-League keen to get on-board as soon as possible