FIFA Save The World Cup – Implement These Five Rule Changes
It’s now the 12th World Cup in soccer. This is my first ever World Cup. I have to admit that I am not an expert in soccer. But, I am an experienced lawyer with more years than I care to remember and I am an expert at rules. I can tell bad rules from good, and soccer is full of them.
Since I read everything about FIFA, it is described as a bureaucratic agency that is slowing down and is lumbering. Worse, FIFA seems to enjoy the controversy, viewing all the bad officiating talk through the prism “there’s not such thing as bad publicity”.
FIFA’s wrong. Such an environment doesn’t allow soccer to grow. Fans won’t tolerate games decided by referees. Also, soccer isn’t dependent on controversy, scandal, or conflict for publicity, unlike baseball. Soccer’s appeal alone and its low cost can help it maintain its popularity. It is all that’s required to start a game of soccer: a field, ball, and a set of ridiculous rules.
I also understand FIFA won’t change rules unless Adidas/McDonald’s/Budweiser/Nike tell them. It’s possible that it’s time to start a discussion about how soccer should be officiated, especially after the worst refereed major sporting events since Wrestlemania. I am becoming more fondly aware of the game’s speed and sudden action, which is something Americans have yet to fully appreciate.
Despite my growing appreciation of soccer, the 2010 World Cup made me realize that although it is a wonderful sport, its potential is not being realized due to its rules, officials, or governing body. As frustrating as watching FIFA and referees try to choke soccer’s potential is watching the jockey choke off a great thoroughbred.
With each round, the pot of game-altering errors gets more, and then there’s the inevitable shrug from FIFA. It can be difficult to know where to start reform. My vote goes for the field of play. Change the rules so officials are more relaxed and the athletes get the final results.
1. First, you need to change the offside rule. The offside rule for soccer is one of the most ridiculous rules ever seen in organized sport. The problem with the rule is numerous. The only rule that one team can use to set a boundary on the field is it conceptually. Surprisingly, the defense team’s players can turn an opponent’s side by running forward whenever the pass is made. This defensive “play” does not demonstrate any athletic skill and can end real scoring opportunities which are very valuable in soccer 스포츠무료중계. Boundaries should be set and not moveable on a sporting field.
Practically speaking, an offside rule demands that the assistant of the referee cannot watch too many events at the same time. Events that are separated geographically and occur in a split-second. An example of a pass into a penalty area is one where many controversial blown calls take place. To see the passing players pass the ball, the official must also view the location of the receiver player, and then compare that position with the position of the defending player. An additional problem is that the offside line moves all the time, so an official may have to make the call while he’s moving. It is very difficult for an official to correctly make the offside call if they are up or down from this moving line.
A distance often exists between the receiving and passing player, making it physically impossible for an official not to be able to see both. In order to correctly call the play, the official would have to have independent eyes. This is not something we have been given by evolution. Marty Feldman, horses or lizards can reliably call the existing offside rule. It is not surprising that replays of the field call are consistently incorrect.
The solution? Borrow from Hockey. You should draw a straight line across the field for soccer. You should draw a line 10 yards beyond the penalty area. Once the ball passes over the line, the offsides rules would no longer apply. All passes would become legal. If passes are made beyond the line, the offsides ruling would still apply. This rule is easier to call, which would reduce the number of missed calls. The rule will also increase excitement through increased scoring chances, especially when it comes to sets into the box.
2. Replay on goals is allowed. Fan frustration is only surpassed by watching a missed goal call. A missed goal can make or break a soccer game. Blonded calls on goals can be frustrating for hardcore soccer fans and can turn off new ones. FIFA’s stubbornness in this matter only makes fans more angry and frustrated. People support athletes to entertain them, not be outraged by poor officiating. If the fans are angry or cheated at a sporting event, it is a sign you’re not a good governing body.
The truth has been revealed by technology to the fan. FIFA does not permit such technology to be used at any cost to the sport. The story of “keeping the games pure” will not be repeated by fans. Instead, the truth will be displayed right in front them.