Fifa bans video replays

The referee's decision is now final

Fifa is to prevent referees from using video replays to overturn decisions.

Your say: Should video replays be banned?

As well as the video ruling, Fifa is also looking at a number of new proposals.

These include:

Experimenting with extra assistant referees stationed behind each goal.

Considering proposals to allow clubs to make one signing each - a so-called 'joker' - outside transfer windows.

The decision to prevent referees from taking a second look at controversial incidents after a game is seen as a shock move.

It goes against the expected shift towards the increased use of video replays as the game gets quicker and referees struggle to keep pace.

Fifa gets tough on bans

It had been thought that decisions could be changed if referees thought they had made an error.

But that has now been ruled out in all circumstances except in the case of mistaken identity.

A Fifa spokesman said: "There has to be a clear distinction between using video evidence to impose sanctions on players who break the rules behind the referee's back, and using video to change referees' factual decisions at a later stage."

Eriksson backs video replays

Fifa has sent out a circular to all national associations about the new rules regarding the use of video replays and they will apply immediately.

It states: "The referee may only change a decision on realising that it is incorrect or, at his discretion, on the advice of an assistant referee, provided that he has NOT restarted play."

Blatter announces plans for more refs

Last week, referee David Pugh changed his mind about a second yellow card he issued to Bolton's Ivan Campo during a match at Arsenal.

The player escaped suspension but that scenario will no longer be allowed and Fifa vice-president David Will said the English FA had been out of step with the rest of the world.

He said: "England had decided to go down this road but they are the exception rather than the rule and now Fifa has decided everyone must apply the same disciplinary regulations."

Fifa is also to experiment with extra assistant referees stationed behind each goal.

The system was announced by president Sepp Blatter after the game's ruling body met with the French Football Federation.

The scheme, which was suggested by legendary French midfielder Michael Platini, is now likely to be on trial during the Confederations Cup in France next June.

Criticism

The French delegation also urged Fifa to adopt the system in use in their league when clubs can sign 'a joker' when the window is closed.

Your say: Who would be your 'joker'?

Fifa will study the scheme in greater detail during meetings in Zurich on Thursday and Friday.

The worldwide enforcement of the transfer window system has drawn criticism, with English clubs notably opposed to its introduction.

Fifa will also reconsider proposals by the English Football League for clubs in the Nationwide to be allowed an exemption from the transfer window.