I know it was a disgrace, but after having countless discussions on Sunday, I am sticking to my guns and backing FIFA. My initial reasoning was as follows:
“Football is meant for you and I. If I can’t have one aspect of the rules of the game in my backyard, then the professionals shouldn’t either. That is how you keep the game right where it should be, with the fans” (Read the rest of the post here).
To restate what Sepp Blatter stated before the World Cup began:
“The universality of the game: one of the main objectives of FIFA is to protect the universality of the game of association football. This means that the game must be played in the same way no matter where you are in the world.”
When I tried to explain this point I was met with stern and compelling opposition. The point that I was consistently faced with was of substantial merit. The World Cup changes the fate of nations, the morning pick up game at the park does not. With this much on the line, FIFA should assure that they do everything in their power to make sure that mistakes of this magnitude do not happen.
I agree my friends, but my point is this. It is a game of the people and for the people. If I can’t institute a FIFA ruling in my local league game, then the professionals will not have the same luxury.
Blatter was quoted after this incident:
“No matter which technology is applied, at the end of the day a decision will have to be taken by a human being.”
I am not opposed to using technology, I write for a blog, I have just attached myself to this defense. It protects the purity and integrity of the game. It is a part of the game, good, bad, or indifferent, and it is something we all have to adapt to as fans. I guarantee Germany is happy there is no video replay or goal line technology.
I also am not saying that everything is perfect and we should all just hold hands and sing “We are the World”. I think something must be done. So where does the advocate of technology and the president of FIFA find common ground? In the use of goal line referees? Maybe, but something must be done.
All of you who are crying foul now, remember this feeling, and in the next match where a call like this goes your direction know that “the grass is always greener on the other side” especially on the pitch.
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