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FIFA in technology U-turn following referee blunders

Other News Materials 29 June 2010 14:44 (UTC +04:00)
FIFA president Joseph Blatter says its time to re-open the debate on the use of technology in football following a series of officiating errors at this year's World Cup.
FIFA in technology U-turn following referee blunders

FIFA president Joseph Blatter says its time to re-open the debate on the use of technology in football following a series of officiating errors at this year's World Cup.

"It would be absurd to not consider the option. We have to have further discussions on this topic," the head of football's ruling body said Tuesday in Johannesburg, DPA reported.

The first discussions will be held by members of the International Football Association Boards (IFAB) in Cardiff in July.

Earlier this month, the head of football's ruling body told the FIFA Congress in Johannesburg that the issue had been "put on ice" but poor officiating, most notable where England's Frank Lampard was denied a goal against Germany has re-opened the debate.        In Sunday's Round of 16 match, Lampard saw a shot come off the underside of the crossbar and land clearly behind the goal-line, but Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda waved play on.

In the subsequent match between Argentina and Mexico, Carlos Tevez scored Argentina's opening goal from a clearly offside position.

Blatter revealed that he had apologised to both England and Mexico for poor performances by match officials in their games.

"I told them that I am sorry for what has happened," he said.

However, Blatter ruled out any rule changes before the end of the World Cup in South Africa.

"We can't make changes for 10 matches," he said.

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