With jaw dropping audacity, and a completely straight face, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced this week that whilst they remained undecided on the future of goal line technology, tested systems remaining sub-standard, an outright decision to ban the ‘snood’ had been finalised.
The offending article has been outlawed on the premise that it poses a threat to player health – clearly ignoring the fact that players like Gianluigi Buffon have worn the offending article for several seasons now without any drastic health problems. The years of safe snooding were not enough to prove their harmlessness to players.
Some may argue that prohibiting such a fad is good for the game – several Premier League managers and players have condemned the fashion accessory. The judgement has become a line in the sand for what should be allowed on a football pitch, however, surely IFAB have better ways of spending their days?
Many will be frustrated that instead of clearing up the ongoing debate over goal line technology, the board have wasted time by giving more airtime to an admittedly ridiculous fashion trend.
The main headline arising from the meeting was always going to be the failure to agree a concrete plan on the controversial technology, so why draw attention to this problem by trumpeting a ban on a meaningless piece of clothing?
INTRODUCING THE WINDOWS PHONE 7!
If decisions are fast-tracked on health grounds, maybe IFAB should have looked at the heart rates of English fans and players when Frank Lampard’s strike at last summer’s World Cup was incorrectly ruled out – I’m sure there was more risk of a cardiac episode there than there would be any problems relating to snood usage.
With a slightly more serious hat, or scarf, on, the latest show of reluctance by IFAB to embrace goal line technology is a nail in the coffin for those looking to see the system implemented for the 2014 World Cup. At least a further year of testing will be carried out before any system can be ratified and there looks to be some major concerns over the products most recently offered as a solution to the problem.
The European Champions in 2012 will see the first deployment of extra officials at a major tournament. The assistants, most recently seen during this year’s Champions and Europa League competitions have been deemed a useful addition to the match day team, although the approval of these extra eyes is another method of disguising the bitter taste of failure to create a more modern solution to goal line disputes.
From a long-term viewpoint, if snoods are to be banned, should tights, coloured boots and gloves go the same way? Presumably not, although, there will be some players, particularly at Eastlands and the Emirates that will be hoping there is no further delay in the development of a viable goal line system or more optional clothing might need to be banned to bury the bad news.
The article was written by Cameron Sharpe for FootballFancast.com. Make sure to check out the latest news, blogs and podcasts at FFC – ed.
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They will just have their shirts modified to include the snood and call it a collar.
What are these self centred prats at FIFA and EUFA paid for?
I absolutley agree 100%. Snoods are so not important and goal line technology is. Why don’t they ban players from wearing gloves too? They should focus on serious stuff not small issues like this