karlpejera: Fifa proposes use of fourth substitute in extra time to cut injuries

Miyerkules, Pebrero 1, 2012

Fifa proposes use of fourth substitute in extra time to cut injuries

? International FA board to consider plan in March
? Goalline technology also back on the agenda

Fifa will propose allowing teams to use a fourth substitute in extra time when the International FA board meets next month.

The rules-making panel is set to decide at a meeting in England on 3 March if increasing the current quota of three replacements would help improve matches and reduce injuries.

A Fifa statement said: "The Fifa Task Force Football 2014, the medical committee and the football committee support the proposal in order to maintain the technical level until the 120th minute and to protect the health of the players."

Goalline technology will also return to the Ifab agenda, with the panel hearing progress reports on tests involving eight systems. They will decide which will proceed to a scheduled second round of testing starting in March.

Fifa said a final decision to approve goal-line technology can be taken at a further Ifab meeting on 2 July in Kiev, the day after the 2012 European Championship final in the Ukraine capital.

The board will also consider trials of the five-referee system, using additional assistants beside each goal to support referees' decision-making, which conclude at Euro 2012.

The panel will also reconsider allowing Islamic female players to wear a hijab, five years after the headscarf was banned for safety reasons. The Fifa vice-president Prince Ali of Jordan urged the board to respect cultural traditions and approve a headscarf held in place by a safe Velcro fastener.

The board, which is comprised of the four British associations plus Fifa delegates, will also consider amending the so-called "triple punishment" of sanctioning certain fouls with a penalty kick, red card and suspension.

Other proposals on the agenda include assessing tests at the 2011 Copa America where referees used vanishing spray on the grass to mark the 10 yards that defensive walls must retreat from the ball once placed for a free-kick.

Rules are amended with six of the eight available votes. Each British association has one vote and Fifa officials have four.

Changes typically take effect on 1 July ahead of the following season, but can be fast-tracked for a major tournament if the panel agrees.