Attention on Referees, Replay During World Cup

Many headlines have come out of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, but none as apparent as the spotty refereeing throughout the 32-team tournament.

The referees have been the hot topic throughout the world cup because of disallowed goals, unwarranted foul calls and overall spotty officiating. 

Is instant replay the answer? Clearly it is. It’s time for FIFA to step up and implement it.

The need for replay became even more notable in the second round of the World Cup. A replay glance would have shown Argentina’s Carlos Tevez offside and England’s forward Frank Lampard’s strike clearing the goal line for a goal during the respective games.

It propelled both Germany and Argentina into the next stage of the World Cup. 

The game changed the complexion of both games, putting both Mexico and England at an apparent disadvantage. So wouldn’t it behoove FIFA officials to get the calls right?

Unfortunately, FIFA officials have repeatedly said that the implementation of reply is out of the question. Saying that there referees are trained at the highest level.

True as that is, even world class referees are prone to human error.

FIFA should not be so close minded in this matter. Replay has proved to be successful in other sports, such as the NFL and NBA. Turning a blind eye to the matter will only cheat countries, players and fans.

Hopefully soccer gets it right this time in line for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Not until then will the attention be on the referees and not the stars on the field.