The Int'l FA Board, which governs the rules of the game, "has approved testing of video technology to aid match officials." Experiments will be carried out over a two-year period starting no later than the '17-18 season "before a final decision is taken on whether to adopt the technology permanently." FIFA described it as a "landmark decision" but said that the experiments would allow IFAB "to identify the advantages, disadvantages and worst-case scenarios." The trials will allow referees to "call on video assistance to help determine four categories of game-changing moments -- goals scored, red cards, penalties and mistaken identity" (AFP, 3/5).
FOOTBALL BRIEFS ...
Local law enforcement authorities are "investigating possible tax evasion and a conflict of interests" at the Belgian FA (KBVB). The "torrent of allegations" of financial mismanagement may make the position of KBVB President François De Keersmaecker untenable. De Keersmaecker has "vehemently denied accusations of fraud," but his reign as KBVB president has been "turbulent throughout." De Keersmaecker has been president since '06. The KBVB "netted an all-time high revenue" of €60M in '14, but an internal audit surfaced, revealing that the KBVB closed out '14 with a €206,000 deficit (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 3/4).
A group of League Championship side Leeds United supporters intent on forcing Owner Massimo Cellino out of the club "held a series of fresh stunts at Elland Road during Saturday’s match against Bolton Wanderers." Supporters group "Time to Go Massimo" arranged a "mock funeral for the Italian," complete with hearse, to take place before the game and marked "the death of the club we fell in love with." A plane bearing a banner with the group’s name then "flew over the ground during the first half" of the Championship match (London INDEPENDENT, 3/5).
