I’ve said for a long time that FIFA needs a total rebuild, but not being in the privileged position of being able to take back-handers and under the table payments pretty much excuses me from being able to do anything – much the same as any other football fan.
Personally now with Blatter semi-stepping down, those in the background should be looking at bringing the game in to the 21st century and utilizing technology to get shot of the on field cheats so when Blatter finally leaves, the game itself will be in a stronger place.
For years I’ve said things like goal line technology was needed, as is a video ref and a great case in point for a video ref would be Thierry Henry’s blatant handball for France against the Republic of Ireland – a game France won. Now after the calls for handball from the Irish players the captain should have had the right to call for a video ref to double check – he (the video ref) would only see what the rest of the world saw, a player blatantly cheating. A video ref could be used for divers, along with other attempts at cheating, VIDEO DOESN’T LIE!
Would a video ref be of any use in football? Well rugby league seems to thinks so, rugby union seems to think so, even tennis has technology to sort out line ball issues, FIFA (or is it just Blatter) in its wonderous gilded cage is oblivious to the fact that SOMETHING needs to be done aside from lining their own pockets.
Do I think a video ref will see the light of day in football? Fat bloody chance, there are too many dinosaurs running FIFA, the FA, FAW, etc etc.