UEFA to test referee communication system

Adjust font size:

UEFA has decided to test a referee communication system until the end of the current European season. The system, which will allow the assistant referees and the fourth official to communicate with the referee, and vice-versa, as well as to hear what is being said on the pitch, is composed of an open microphone and an earphone.

The decision to conduct a full battery of tests comes following the proposal of the UEFA Referees Committee, which also stressed the importance of the tests being carried out at the highest level of the game, in order to test the system in real “big” match atmosphere.

The referee communication system, aimed at allowing quicker exchange of information, could be of help in several situations, such as substitutions, additional time, the identity of a cautioned player and fouls occurred out of the sight of the referee.

The system is a closed circuit and will not be used in any way for TV broadcast. This referee communication system is already used in both France and Scotland, and depending on the results of the tests, UEFA will decide whether or not to generalise its use for its top competitions. UEFA is in favour of technological help, provided it has no incidence on the fluidity of play and provided it could not undermine the authority of the referee.