Internet Desk: After facing criticism of an error that costed Spanish giants Barcelona a goal at the weekend, La Liga management is expected to introduce video referees from 2018.
Earlier the officials said they would not say anything on the incident in Barcelona’s 1-1 away draw against Real Betis on Sunday. But La Liga president Javier Tebas later told local media that video refereeing will be implemented as soon as it’s fully approved by FIFA.
‘We have always defended the use of technology in soccer and in this case we believe that video referees is the most advanced option,’ Tebas said.
“The tests are already underway. I believe that beginning in July 2018, if FIFA approves it, we will start using it,” he added.
Tebas said video referees would be favored over the goal-line technology that is in place in other European leagues. He said systems such as Hawkeye were too expensive to be used only a few times each year.
‘This year there were three other similar cases and nobody said much about it,’ he said. ‘Maybe people are making such a big deal this time because the ball went in by a big margin.’
The goal-line technology would have helped in the controversial incident at Benito Villamarin Stadium in Seville, just after the hosts had taken a 1-0 lead.
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique was in favour of using technology as he thinks it will help the referees.
“The referees need help, whether it’s with cameras or whatever, for decisions that favour us or go against us. The technology can help us,” he said.