UEFA Will Continue To Use Extra Referees For Matches

UEFA has decided to continue its use of additional assistant referees during the '12-13 Champions League playoffs, the group stage of the '12-13 Europa League and the 2012 UEFA Super Cup. This follows the Int'l Football Association Board's unanimous decision on July 5 to amend the Laws of the Game and allow the use of such extra officials. This means a total of six officials will be officiating at the above mentioned UEFA events -- one referee, two assistants, a fourth official and two additional assistant referees positioned alongside each goal, with the particular brief to watch for penalty-area incidents (UEFA). The DPA reported that UEFA did not comment on the use of goal-line technology in Champions League, Europa League and Super Cup matches. Goal-line technology was approved by the IFAB on July 5. UEFA President Michel Platini "rejects the use of technology in football" (DPA, 7/12).