Referees' sound system will soon be tested in French football

As announced by L’Equipe and confirmed by RMC Sport, FIFA has authorized French football to experiment with referee sound systems. A novelty defended in the profession.

A small revolution. According to information from The team; As confirmed by RMC Sport, FIFA has authorized French football to experiment with referee sound systems. The first tests should take place during the next D1 Arkema play-offs. With implementation conditions decided by the international federation.

Referees in favor of the sound system

The idea will be to allow referees to speak directly to explain their decisions to players and fans after consulting the VAR. “FIFA has authorized experimenting with this practice in several countries, including France. The microphones would only be connected for the most controversial actions, when the referee reviews them,” Éric Borghini, president of the Federal Referees Commission, told L’Equipe. . For the Ligue 1 referees’ sound system, we may have to wait until next season.

The vast majority of Ligue 1 referees are in favor of this new feature, which should provide more education so that their decisions are better explained and understood. “I think there is a general consensus to say that access to the referees’ audio system during the match under certain conditions, to justify decisions, could help resolve certain controversies or alleviate tensions. We are waiting for an additional educational tool that we would like to give to the referees”, Former referee Amaury Delerue explained to us this week.

“We would understand it better,” confirmed Bruno Derrien, who has led more than 300 professional meetings.