FIFA experiments with video replays to Infantino’s delight

The world football governing body, FIFA has, for the first time, experimented with video replays to review foggy decisions by referees during matches.

FIFA used the system for the first time on Wednesday to award a penalty kick in Kashima Antlers’ 3-0 win over Atletico Nacional.

Commenting after the match, FIFA President said that using video replays to review decisions at the FIFA Club World Cup has produced “extremely positive results”.

However, Marco van Basten, FIFA’s chief officer of technical development, said the decision “took a few seconds too much’’.

But Infantino said “transparency and justice have been brought to the game’’.

The replays were again used as Real Madrid beat Club America 2-0 in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Referee Enrique Caceres briefly asked for a consultation before allowing Cristiano Ronaldo’s late goal to stand.

“In the end it was good and the right decision was made,” said former Netherlands striker Van Basten.

“Only (that) the communication between the video assistant referee and the referee was not optimum.’’

Video assistant referees have assisted officials during two international friendlies this year, but the Club World Cup represents their first use in a FIFA competition.

Previous usage has been in what FIFA call a “semi-live’’ scenario, where the referee was not able to review decisions on a pitchside monitor.

OTHER JAPAN 2016 MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Club America 0-2 Real Madrid ()

Atletico Nacional 0-3 Kashima Antlers

Jeonbuk Hyundai 4-1 Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns 0-2 Kashima Antlers

Real Madrid progressed to the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup final after defeating Mexico’s Club America 2-0 at the International Stadium Yokohama.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“It would be interesting to see both of us in the same team. I think great players should play together. 

“So if we were in the same team, I think I would have more than him, but he wouldn’t be far off. 

“Everyone knows Messi is a great player.”

Real Madrid star and The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2016 nominee Cristiano Ronaldo on fellow The Best candidate Lionel Messi, speaking with France Football

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