FIFA rules out extra refs for World Cup

World governing body FIFA on Wednesday ruled out the introduction of goal-line assistant referees at next summer’s World Cup in South Africa.

FIFA chief Sepp Blatter said that the question of adding two officials to keep an eye on action in and around the critical penalty box area had been discussed at an extraordinary meeting of the FIFA executive committee, but it had been decided to stick with the existing system.

“We have decided that for World Cup 2010, there will be no change in refereeing. We will still have one referee and two assistants,” Blatter said.

The meeting also ruled out the introduction of video technology to assist referees similar to the system used in such as rugby, cricket and tennis.

The decision follows the furore that followed Thierry Henry’s blatant handball in a World Cup playoff against Ireland last month that saw the French qualify for the finals.

The infringement was clearly seen by players close to the Barcelona striker when he crossed for William Gallas to score and it was evident from TV replays of the action, but the Swedish referee failed to notice it.

Worldwide indignation over the injustice piled the pressure on FIFA and Blatter called the extraordinary executive committee meeting to discuss the matter here ahead of Friday’s World Cup draw.