Systems of goal-line technology looking for FIFA approval will have to be even more accurate than before, after a International Football Association Board decision lowered the margin for error. Technology now has a 1.5-centimeter margin for error, as opposed to the previous 3-centimeter margin.
The IFAB held its annual business meeting on Thursday in Zurich, bringing together FIFA president Sepp Blatter, secretary general Jérôme Valcke and the FA chief executives from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. If that seems restrictive, it’s because it is — but the IFAB also discussed ways to get more nations involved in the decision-making process.
Two new advisory panels will comprise “a Technical Panel and a Football Panel that will include different stakeholder groups from across the world of football,” according to a FIFA release about Thursday’s meeting. In addition, reforms will now go through a more detailed review.
“Whilst the IFAB composition will remain unchanged — including the four British associations and FIFA — the new advisory panels aim to improve the consultative process and foster a more proactive approach with a wider group of representatives able to bring new ideas to the table,” the release said.
Also discussed was “a proposal to increase the flexibility of substitutions in amateur/recreational football.” Any changes FIFA Laws of the Game can be proposed but not confirmed during the annual business meeting.
That type of reform must be carried out during the annual general meeting, Feb. 28 to March 2, 2014, in Zurich.