Fifa chief lauds video help
ST PETERSBURG: Video review is making Fifa president Gianni Infantino “extremely happy’’ after being used five times and causing moments of confusion in the first round of Confederations Cup games.
“We have seen how video assistance has helped referees to make the correct decisions,’’ Infantino said in a statement after watching Germany’s 3-2 win over Australia on Monday in Sochi.
The technology was used to confirm Australia’s second goal, when the ball appeared to brush the arm of scorer Tomi Juric.
Video review is on trial in Russia and Infantino hopes it can be fast-tracked for approval at the 2018 World Cup to help referees overturn “clear errors’’ in gamechanging situations such as penalty kicks awarded and offside rulings affecting goals.
“What fans have been waiting for over so many years is finally happening,’’ Infantino said, adding that video review “is the future of modern football.’’
Still, fans, players, coaches and media were left confused in Sunday’s two games by decisions — reached more slowly than expected — by referees taking advice from assistants watching multiple replays.
Portugal and Chile both had goals disallowed for offside. Portugal had to wait for what seemed an unnecessary review of a good goal scored. Chile was also made to wait for a review before a goal was confirmed.
In trying to define a clear error, Fifa has suggested when “almost everyone who is neutral agrees the decision is incorrect.’’
Portugal ended 2-2 with Mexico and, perhaps fortunately for Fifa, Chile beat Cameroon 2-0.
“It is a little difficult for the players,’’ Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi said.
“Even if it is the right decision, this has an impact on players’ emotions and feelings.’’
Chile’s star player Arturo Vidal fiercely argued with referee Damir Skomina when a goal scored in first-half stoppage time by Eduardo Vargas was overruled almost one minute later. Fifa later released still images of a razor-thin offside margin.
Though the system ultimately proved accurate, the time taken and manner of explaining decisions in the stadium and to TV viewers appeared chaotic.
“The VAR tests during this Confederations Cup are also helping us to improve the processes and fine-tune communication,’’ Infantino acknowledged.