FIFA President Sepp Blatter has "entered the debate about extending the use of video evidence to take action against players who dive, cheat and, even, waste time," according to Gary Jacob of the LONDON TIMES. Blatter has "put the onus on football associations to intervene when a referee has missed an incident or for alleged serious offences." FIFA has allowed goalline technology "to be used this season but Blatter said there could be fresh guidelines on other issues." Blatter said, "Video evidence can be used for serious breaches of the principle of fair play such as brawling, spitting at opponents, verbal insults and racist slurs or for incorrectly awarded red or yellow cards. In cases such as these we must make use of the avenues open to us and intervene after the event if necessary" (LONDON TIMES, 2/21). The AP reported FIFA's media department said that Blatter's proposals "weren't enforceable without going through committees, and were unlikely to be applied at the World Cup in Brazil." Although technology is "now allowed to instantly rule on disputed goals, Blatter does not advocate stopping matches to allow referees to defer to video replays on other disputed matters." Blatter: "If we were to permit this it would lead to a flood of appeals that would essentially destroy the game. The referee's verdict must always take precedence. Once the match official hands down a decision, it must be the end of the matter" (AP, 2/21).
