FA chief claims broadcasting referees’ audio is ‘absolutely worth exploring’ if it ‘adds value’ and ‘demystifies’ the process for supporters after recent spate of controversial decisions
The FA has said it welcomes potential talks over broadcasting referees’ audio in an attempt to ‘demystify’ a part of the game that has become hugely controversial.
Current rules prevent the decision-making process of officials being broadcast to fans and viewers but it could be possible for a recording of the dialogue between referees to be made available post match.
Officials have been the subject of fierce scrutiny in recent months after a series of contentious decisions and VAR reviews and FA chief executive Mark Bullingham says post-match audio files could bring ‘value’ to supporters.
The FA has said it welcomes potential talks over broadcasting referees’ audio after matches
He told Sky Sports News: ‘I think it’s absolutely worth exploring.
‘Our starting point has to be that anything which adds value to the fan, and demystifies any part of the decision making by referees, has got to be something that we’d consider, of course.
‘We then need to look at that counter arguments that might exist from any referees feeling that’s intrusive.’
Any possibility of audio being released would require an agreement with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited [PGMOL].
Football’s law makers, the International Football Association Board [IFAB], recently delayed a decision over whether or not to broadcast real-time audio from match officials, as is done in rugby union and cricket.
More to follow.