Asian stars split on video technology

Printer Friendly

Share

Text Size

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24, 2009 (AFP) - Asian stars and officials are split over the use of video technology in football with one ex-top Saudi player Tuesday expressing fears that it will "kill fan enthusiasm."

Seung-Ryun Woo, a senior official at the Korea Football Association, told AFP he favours the use of video technology in important matches.

"I would prefer an electronic eye. I think referees have too much power," he said.

"Ireland failed to qualify because Thierry Henry used his hand to set up the goal. A referee is not God," he added, referring to Henry's handball that put France into the World Cup finals at the expense of Ireland.

The controversy the incident kicked up, along with a probe into match-fixing, has forced FIFA president Sepp Blatter to call a crisis meeting on December 2 ahead of the World Cup draw.

Since the Henry handball, the use of video technology, which FIFA is fundamentally against, has become a hot potato issue that appears to be gaining traction.

Syria captain Firas Al Khatib said he backed the use of new technology to help referees make decisions.

"Video can be used to help them make the right decision," he said.

Al Khatib, who has been shortlisted for the Asian Football Confederation's Player of the Year award, however said that the use of such equipment should not delay the match as it will hurt players concentration.

Another in favour is Japan's Yasuhito Endo, who is also in the running for the player of the award, although he admitted it would be difficult to implement.

"We can have video but stoppage time has to be short ... 30 seconds or one minute. If it is too long it could jeopardize the players rhythm," he said.

Against it was former Saudi football star Sami Al Jaber, who warned the introduction of video technology would "kill fan enthusiasm," and may keep them away from stadiums.

"I don't think we should use technology to help the referee as it will remove the natural flow of the game," he said.

"We have to let the natural flow of the sport. This is what the fans want. I want the match to be interesting.

"I believe referees being human beings are doing their best," he said.