The German FA (DFB), "the world's biggest football federation," wants to be "at the forefront of testing video replay technology if football's rule makers give the go ahead in March." The Int'l FA Board has "recommended trialling video replays next season to help referees with questionable goals, penalties, red cards and cases of mistaken identity." DFB referees chief Herbert Fandel said the trials "could include matches in the top two Bundesliga divisions." Fandel: "We have a great interest to be in the front row when this pilot project begins" (REUTERS, 1/14). ... Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu, along with the club's directors and managers of youth football, on Thursday presented a plan for improving the academy over the next six years. The new model aims to adapt to new FIFA standards and reinforce the development of Barcelona's athletes through the Masia 360 degree project while staying faithful to the club's style of play. Barcelona's women's football will follow the men's development model (Barcelona). ... The Argentine FA announced that during the upcoming season "ticket prices to attend games will increase." The cost of men's general admission seats for first division games will increase by 25%, from 120 Argentine pesos last year to 150 Argentine pesos ($11.33). For senior citizens and women, those tickets will cost 75 Argentine pesos ($5.66), while general admission tickets for minors will cost 45 Argentine pesos ($3.40) (CLARÍN, 1/13).
