On Soccer Refereeing

Well, this is flatly embarrassing for FIFA. Fresh from flatly denying a further use of technology in the game through replays or ball tracking systems, the organization now must watch as clear goals for England and the USA were disallowed, while illegal goals for Argentina continue to count.

FIFA's justification for this is a smart one - they want the officials and rule system to be the same all the way from club games to the World Cup, but the difference is that club games don't have video replays, whereas stadiums and telecasts of the Cup all have that technology. Thus, the referee can remain as the highest authority in fact on the pitch, but has now been reduced as the non-authority by television. FIFA's rules do not reflect the actual status; by maintaining a "no technology stance," they only undercut their own authority.

That said, there should be a way to do this without disrupting the game. Its simple: the 4th official watches all replays. But it will take time, and it is FIFA's decision (along with at least 2 of the UK rule-makers). If they're willing to take the heat, more power to them, but it's sad when human error deprives a sports player of their act of brilliance.