This is a sensational statement from FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, which, if carried forward and accepted, would represent a true revolution in the world of football.
We've been reflecting on a principle: football needs to innovate, and it must do so without distorting or violating its very nature. We've always been willing to experiment with certain projects: on-demand VAR would eliminate a series of controversies related to certain judgments, which are sometimes inaccurate or inconsistent, by match officials.
However, the objectivity of the technology must be maintained, with regards to goal-line technology and offside, which is currently semi-automatic but will become automatic over time."
Gravina said this as a guest on 'Radio Anch'io Sport' on Rai Radio 1, regarding the possibility of experimenting with some innovations in our league, including on-call VAR and actual time.
It might interest you
Football scandal erupts in Türkiye, with Fenerbahce and Galatasaray players arrested.
Serie A refereeing appointments: La Penna officiates Napoli-Juventus
Napoli, Conte dominates radio and TV: he's the most talked about manager of the month.
Gianfranco Zola awarded in London as "Ambassador of Italian Sport in the World"
"Regarding actual time, we need to understand, while respecting agreements with broadcasters," Gravina adds, "the implications of hosting a match whose overall duration is still unclear. The program schedules could have effects that need to be evaluated."
On 'Radio Anch'io Sport' on Rai Radio 1, Gravina also discussed the possibility of the referee publicly explaining his decisions after consulting with the VAR.
"It can be implemented immediately," the FIGC president said. "We are working with UEFA to find a uniform way to communicate. We will most likely avoid using wide-area microphones for in-stadium communications."
"We need to innovate but without removing the uncertainty of the outcome - he added Gravina -, the beauty and spectacle of football find their greatest expression in the goal. But football has also become an industry: we must, with common sense, find the right balance between the event and the protection of the competition."
Leave a comment