Howard Webb has 12 recently-retired players ‘set to be fast-tracked’ to be refs
Under-pressure PGMOL boss Howard Webb wants to fast-track a dozen ex-players into becoming referees.
Amid continued frustration at the standards of officiating and the use of VAR, Webb reportedly wants to entice retired players or players coming to the end of their careers into the profession. It is hoped having former players involved would help reputation of referees and potentially improve standards.
Around 12 players have already expressed an interest following a plea from Webb, reports The Sun. The process would allow them to take a shortcut through the usual path progression, with Webb and PGMOL mapping out the finer details.
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The Premier League continues to be blighted by refereeing and VAR controversies. There was more drama on Monday as Fulham won 3-2 against Wolves, who have had numerous contentious decisions go against them this season.
They conceded a late penalty when VAR sent referee Michael Salisbury to the screen after Joao Gomes brought Harry Wilson down in the box, with Willian scoring his second spot kick of the game to seal all three points for Fulham.
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O’Neil highlighted the decisions involving the late penalty, Carlos Vinicius’ headbutt on Max Kilman and why Tim Ream did not receive a second yellow for a foul on Hwang Hee-Chan. The Wolves boss believes VAR has not helped referees.
“I don’t think it’s helped the game,” he said. “I think the ref would have done a better job on his own. I don’t think VAR helped him but in fact, it hindered him.
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“Sending him to the screen for one and not to the other, not advising him there is a headbutt or that Tim Ream should receive a red card. What is the point in VAR? They said they got the Harry Wilson one right [last penalty decision]. There’s minimal contact and I don’t think there’s enough.”
However, fresh talks could see VAR interruptions becoming even more frequent, with football's lawmakers on the International FA Board set to meet today (Tuesday) to discuss potential changes to VAR.
Free-kicks, corners and second yellow cards could reportedly come under scrutiny. Currently, VAR only steps in for game-changing situations like goals, red cards or penalties.
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