It’s one of the most controversial topics in world football today. In a sport where the introduction of technology has always stirred a heated debate, MLS is aiming to become the first professional soccer league to implement a video replay system.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber has stood in support of video replay and hinted that the system will probably be used in the MLS. During the MLS All-Star game the commissioner said on live television: “We spoke to the board, about how instant replay might work. We think it can work, we’d love to see it work.” The idea is still in its infancy and the MLS still needs to communicate its desire to the relevant authorities. “We’ve got to talk to US Soccer, we’ve got to talk to FIFA, we’ve got to make sure the technology works, but you should know that MLS is a supporter of the idea” Garber continued.
This is not the first time MLS has shown an inclination to experiment with technology. The league initially was looking to implement goal-line technology but deemed it to be too expensive. Video replays are presumably less costly.
According to a recent article by Caitlin Murray with The Guardian, the league has been experimenting with discrete trials for the past two seasons. Three teams have been involved: Real Salt Lake, the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Philadelphia Union. The results, according to Jeff Agoos, the head of competition for MLS, have been encouraging. Video replay booth officials have “ample time to provide information to the referee before play had restarted” Agoos stated.
The MLS will not be the first professional sport in the United States to use video technology. The league has several models it can adopt as every leading American sport uses the technology already. Officials in the MLS have spoken to the NHL about their system.
Many questions remain regarding the implementation of video replay in soccer. Fans have conflicting views when it comes to bringing technology into the game. Some feel that it will disrupt the flow of the game and argue that controversial calls are an inherent part of the game. Others believe that video replays will help referees in getting calls correct and eliminate the controversial aspect of the game.
Other questions revolve around how the video replays will be used. FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who has voiced his support for video replay in the past, would prefer to give coaches a limited number of challenges during a game which will allow them to call for a video review. The MLS favors a behind-the- scenes approach similar to that of the NFL where information is sent to the referees by a group of people (hired by the Professional Referee Organization) who are watching the replays in separate video replay booths.
It remains to be seen whether FIFA will consider implementing the system in the MLS or any other league. But there is no denying that the debate over instant replay has been gaining steam lately especially after the success of goal line technology in the Barclays Premier League.
Major League Soccer has always been a league open to experiments and new ways of playing the game. Sometimes those experiments failed. If the league can convince FIFA and the International Football Association Board to test out instant replay, the MLS might just change the way the game is played.