FIFA President Sepp Blatter wants to "trial a television referral system that would allow managers to challenge refereeing decisions as early as next year," according to the London GUARDIAN. Blatter revealed he "wants to see TV replays used in a domestic league" and at the U20 World Cup in New Zealand in '15, saying that managers "could question the referee's decision, once or twice a half," adding, "We could test such challenge calls." Blatter has "portrayed himself as a champion of technology since
reversing his opposition to goal-line aids, which were used at the World
Cup in Brazil for the first time" (GUARDIAN, 9/8). The PA reported Blatter said the trials "could happen as soon as next year, possibly in a FIFA youth competition." Blatter: "They [managers and coaches] have the right in the half, twice or
once, to challenge a refereeing decision -- but only when the game is
stopped. Then, there must be a television monitor but [manned] by the television company and not by another referee. The referee and the coach will go to look and then the referee can change his mind, as it is the case in tennis" (PA, 9/8).
BLATTER ENCOURAGES ENGLAND BID: In London, James Ducker reported Blatter has encouraged England to bid for the World Cup again but "warned
that the Football Association must learn how to lose" and called on his
British critics to show him "more respect." FA Chair Greg Dyke said in July that the organization would "rule out
bidding for a future World Cup" while Blatter remained president of FIFA. Asked if Dyke's "outburst against his regime on the eve of the World Cup had
damaged English football" in FIFA's eyes, Blatter said, "No, definitely not." Blatter added that "there would be no in-built impediment to England winning the
right to stage a future tournament." He said, "If England wants to have again a competition then they bid -- whoever is the
president of FIFA. And they should listen a bit about what is called fair
play" (LONDON TIMES, 9/8). In London, Jeff Powell reported Blatter is "promising to step up the fight against racism." He will use the "awarding of a women's tournament to Jordan as football's instrument in the campaign for female equality in the Arab world." He "reports, also, on how FIFA is working as a force for reconciliation between Israel and Palestine." Blatter expressed his "profound delight at the success of Brazil 2014, as well as his gratitude to the Brazilian people for justifying his optimism that their love of the Beautiful Game would not let their socio-economic protests spoil 'this great World Cup'" (DAILY MAIL, 9/8).
U.S.'S WORLD CUP CHANCES: ESPN's Richard Jolly reported Blatter suggested the U.S. "could host the 2026 World Cup." The nation bid unsuccessfully for the '22 tournament, which will be held in Qatar, but Blatter "believes the 2026 edition should go to North America rather than Europe." He "also feels that the increase in popularity in the sport in the United States," which hosted the 1994 World Cup, counts in the country's favor. Blatter: "If you look at the rotation of the World Cup then it should go back to Africa or go to the Americas" (ESPN, 9/8).
