More than six years ago, on March 7, 2010, I applauded the decision not to use instant replay om soccer. My concern was that stopping a match to look at a video replay would break up the flow of the game, one of the sport's attractions.
Now, as reported in today's New York Times, video review is back. Although I was against the concept, it appears FIFA has thought it out pretty well as it begins experiments in six countries, including Major League Soccer. The list of reviewable situations is deliberately short: clear errors on goals, penalty decisions, straight red cards and case of mistaken identity. Unlike other sports, coaches would not be able to request a replay. A video assistant referee can recommend a review but only the center referee can initiate a formal review.
The International Football Association Board, which administers the Laws of the Game, has run several days of tests in North Jersey and has been in contact with other sports about their use of replay. Experiments in actual matches will not begin until 2017.
It appears as though technology has advanced since my post six years ago and I am encouraged that the IFAB is taking its time to conduct thorough research. This might work afterall.
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