Originally published Monday, November 30, 2009 at 8:52 AM

Blatter says FIFA to discuss extra refs for WCup

Soccer's governing body will consider having extra officials on the field to help referees at next year's World Cup.

AP Soccer Writer

JOHANNESBURG —

Soccer's governing body will consider having extra officials on the field to help referees at next year's World Cup.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter says Thierry Henry's hand ball against Ireland, which led to the goal that put France in next year's tournament, showed referees need assistance.

"There is a lack of discipline and respect in the game by the players because they are cheating," Blatter said Monday, two days before an emergency meeting of the FIFA executive committee in Cape Town before the World Cup draw.

"We have only one man on the field of play who shall intervene in this matter. He has two assistants for the time being, perhaps more in the future. He has to make an immediate decision. He has only two eyes. So match control is now is on the agenda. How shall we avoid such situations as we have seen in this very specific match?"

Irish soccer authorities, denied a request for a replay, asked FIFA that it be allowed to go to the World Cup as a 33rd team. They also urged FIFA to introduce extra officials and goal-line video replay technology for international games.

As an experiment in the Europa League, UEFA uses five officials, one at each end of the field, to help the referee settle disputes in the penalty area, including whether the ball has crossed the line.

Blatter opposes video replay to determine calls. Any changes must be approved by the International Football Association Board, the sport's rules-making body.

"With technology, you have to stop a match. You have a look at cameras," Blatter said. "We have to maintain the human face of football and not go into technology."

Blatter said the World Cup playoffs led to several disputes that will be discussed at the executive committee meeting. There is concern about the two-leg format, in which the team playing the second leg at home appears to have an advantage. Blatter thinks one game at a neutral ground is sufficient.

He also said Costa Rica complained to FIFA that a goal in Uruguay's playoff win was offside.

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