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Soccer rule-makers permit video assistance experiments

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino listens to a question during a press conference in Cardiff, Wales, Friday, March 4, 2016. The first week of Gianni Infantino's FIFA presidency is set to end with soccer further embracing technology once blocked by Sepp Blatter. Four years after the International Football Association Board approved technology to rule on disputed goals, the rule-making body is due to experiment with in-game video replay systems on Saturday at its annual meeting. (AP Photo/Rob Harris) FIFA President, Gianni Infantino listens to a question during a press conference in Cardiff, Wales, Friday, March 4, 2016. The first week of Gianni Infantino's FIFA presidency is set to end with soccer further embracing technology once blocked by Sepp Blatter. Four years after the International Football Association Board approved technology to rule on disputed goals, the rule-making body is due to experiment with in-game video replay systems on Saturday at its annual meeting. (AP Photo/Rob Harris)

By Associated Press March 5, 2016 1 min read

CARDIFF, Wales (AP) – Soccer’s rule-makers have approved in-game trials with video assistance for referees.

The International Football Association Board’s annual meeting on Saturday decided to initially test in private before moving to a live pilot phase with replay-assistance by the 2017-18 season.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino says “we have taken really a historic decision for football. FIFA and IFAB are now leading the debate and not stopping the debate. We have shown we are listening to the fans, the players.”

English Football Association CEO Martin Glenn added that 13 leagues or associations have expressed an interest in hosting trials.

It is four years since IFAB approved the introduction of technology to determine whether the ball crossed the line.