France vs Spain to continue trial with video referees as Fifa attempt to create formula ahead of Russia 2018 World Cup
FOOTBALL'S drive towards video referees will continue tonight when France and Spain have officials parked in a van outside the Stade de France.
The French were involved in the first international that used a video referee technology in their friendly with Italy last year.
And the help was used straight away, with the technology helping to sort out a potential red card decision involving a Djibril Sidibe challenge on Daniele De Rossi.
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The Spanish and French FAs have both agreed to the use of the technology, as has match referee Felix Zwayer of Germany and Fifa president Gianni Infantino has also given it the nod.
Part of the point of using video referees is that it has minimal interference in the game, but the refs can used it if the questionable decision is deemed fundamental to the outcome of the game.
They have been given four areas to focus on:
- Deciding on whether or not a goal should count
- Penalty decisions
- Direct red cards
- Correcting the identity of a penalised player
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And given France's track record of being involved in revolutionary movements in sport, including coming up with the idea for the modern Olympic Games and the World Cup, this looks to be another step in forward in French sporting prowess.
Video refs were also used at the Club World Cup and Kashima Antlers were the first beneficiaries of a spot kick being awarded by Viktor Kassai in their clash with Atletico Nacional.