The Dutch FA (KNVB) has "targeted the introduction of video referee assistance" in the Dutch Eredivisie within the next three years. The deployment of a video assistant, who would "advise the referee on the basis of TV images regarding goals, red cards and penalty situations, is in a test phase," but KNVB Operations Dir Gijs de Jong projects a "bright future." He said, "It is no longer a matter whether the video assistant will be introduced, but when [he will be introduced]" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 2/10). ... Fans caught lighting flares at A-League games "face tough new punishments" brought in by the New South Wales Government, including a maximum of two years in prison. After A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers fans "let off around 20 flares and detonators at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne last weekend," the government has already "changed the law specifically to deal with the game’s most visible anti-social behaviour." Anyone convicted will now face a fine of up to A$5,000 ($3,550) -- a "tenfold increase on the standard penalty for misuse of a marine flare" -- and also the possibility of a jail sentence. The financial penalty "mirrors those levied in Victoria, and also the fine for invading the pitch at a sporting event" (Brisbane COURIER-MAIL, 2/10). ... La Liga on Wednesday turned in the charity funds it raised on the 17th matchday of the current season, which took place from Dec. 30-31. Spanish Football League (LFP) President Javier Tebas turned in five checks worth €15,000 ($17,000) each to five projects chosen this season, while also maintaining the LFP's alliance with UNICEF, contributing €87,000 ($98,000) to "attend to the needs of refugees" (AS, 2/10).
