Share

Queiroz: FIFA must allow replays

SALVADOR, Brazil - FIFA must allow referees to use television replays to officiate matches or risk sending teams home from future World Cup finals because of bad decisions, says Iran coach Carlos Queiroz.

Iran take on Bosnia on Wednesday in Salvador needing a victory to keep alive their hopes of reaching the last 16 of the World Cup, while hoping Nigeria fail to beat Argentina in the other Group F clash.

Replays have showed both Queiroz and his Bosnia counterpart Sapet Susic to be the victims of refereeing errors at the finals and they have called on football's governing-body FIFA to help officials.

Goal-line technology debuted at Brazil 2014 and ex-Manchester United assistant coach Queiroz says replays should be the next step.

Iran were denied a penalty by Serbian referee Milorad Mazic's in their heart-breaking 1-0 defeat to Argentina, settled by a late Lionel Messi goal, when Pablo Zabaleta appeared to foul Ashkan Dejagahin in the area.

Likewise, the Bosnians were fuming when striker Edin Dzeko was denied an early goal by the linesman's flag, but replays showed he was clearly onside in their 1-0 defeat to Nigeria.

The Bosnians claim New Zealand referee Peter O'Leary then missed a foul on captain Emir Spahic in the build-up to Peter Odemwingie's 29th-minute winner.

Colombian linesman Humberto Clavijo was last week withdrawn from World Cup match duties after twice flagging in error for offsides in Mexico's 1-0 victory over Cameroon when two Mexican goals were disallowed.

And Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura was heavily criticised after awarding hosts Brazil a dubious penalty in their opening 3-1 win over Croatia.

- 'No future without technology' -

Queiroz says some coaches will lose their jobs after the World Cup due to refereeing errors and technology would help eradicate many incorrect decisions.

"Some referees train more, are better prepared, but with the speed of the ball and rhythm of the game, I don't think there is a future in football without technology," he said.

"The referees do their best, but the speed of the game has risen dramatically and mistakes will continue to happen in front of millions of people watching.

"Situations happen so quickly that it is nearly impossible for them to do their job if they aren't helped by technology.

"It is happening in other sports like basketball, rugby and tennis, but the credibility of football is at stake.

"It's outrageous and it's not normal to have 40 million people at home see whether it's a penalty, apart from the one person in charge.

"22 coaches lost their jobs after the last World Cup and probably the same will happen after this one, so I hope referees take some responsibility for mistakes.

"I adamantly defend the referees, I am on their side, but they need help to take the right decisions.

"Because the game is so fast, it is humanly impossible to have correct decisions made 100 percent of the time.

"Football should develop or teams will continue to go home frustrated."

Susic agreed that technology can only help referees.

"Maybe like in basketball or tennis, challenges can be made on television replays, so that mistakes are corrected," said the Bosnia coach.

Germany is considering introducing video refereeing in the Bundesliga after the issue was raised by FIFA chief Sepp Blatter, who said managers should be allowed two challenges per match.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE