NEWS
Sepp Blatter says Fifa will trial TV referral technology and announces intention to run for fifth term as president
POSTED 09 Sep 2014 . BY Tom Anstey
Blatter has been president of Fifa since 1998 Credit: Shutterstock.com/kojoku
Sepp Blatter has said a football TV referral system may be trialled in 2015, allowing coaches to challenge a referee’s decision for the first time ever.

The Fifa president, who also revealed while speaking on video link at Manchester’s Soccerex conference that he will stand for a fifth term in his current position, said the trials would likely happen at next year’s Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

The trial would see managers for each side able to challenge at least one official decision each half, possibly two, and will only be able to be done where all matches receive television coverage.

The on-field referee will still have the final call on whether or not to change the decision, but the use of video technology will allow him to look at it in greater detail.

The idea is similar to the of the National Football League (NFL) where each team’s coach is allowed two opportunities per game to make a coach's challenge, a system used in American Football in its current format since 1999.

During the wide-ranging interview, Blatter also said that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will have to be played in winter despite fierce opposition and a consultation has started with the players' union FIFPro, clubs, leagues and the six continental federations about moving the ever more controversial tournament, while also stating that a boycott of the 2018 World Cup in Russia would not work or have any benefit.

Speaking on his intention to seek a fifth term as Fifa president, Blatter said he would make an official announcement at Fifa’s executive committee meeting on 25 and 26 of September.

"I got through the last congress in Sao Paulo not only the impression but the support of the majority, a huge majority of national associations asking: 'Please go on, be our president also in future,” said Blatter, who has the support from five of six continental bodies, with only Europe opposing his presidency.

The vote is scheduled for 29 May in Zurich, with the only other candidate so far being the former Fifa international relations director Jerome Champagne.

RELATED STORIES
  Brazil’s economy slips into recession in World Cup year


This year’s FIFA World Cup has not had the desired effect on host nation Brazil’s fortunes on or off the pitch.
  Pioneering 360 filming experience to debut in FIFA’s World Football Museum


The 2014 final of what has been touted by football fans and media alike as the greatest World Cup of all time, has been filmed using a pioneering 360° Ultra HD viewing experience to debut in FIFA’s recently approved World Football Museum, opening in 2016.
  FIFA World Cup 2022 will not be held in the Summer says Valcke


FIFA’s general secretary Jerome Valcke, has said that the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 will be moved from the traditional summer date (June-July) over fears that the temperature would have an adverse effect on both fans and players.
  Blatter 'expects' January 2022 World Cup


FIFA president Sepp Blatter has revealed that the 2022 World Cup could be held in January due to host country Qatar's hot summer.
 


CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
Leisure Management - Sepp Blatter says Fifa will trial TV referral technology and announces intention to run for fifth term as president...
06 Jun 2026 Leisure Management: daily news and jobs
 
 
HOME
JOBS
NEWS
FEATURES
PRODUCTS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION
PRINT SUBSCRIPTION
ADVERTISE
CONTACT US
Sign up for FREE ezine
Latest news

09 Sep 2014

Sepp Blatter says Fifa will trial TV referral technology and announces intention to run for fifth term as president
BY Tom Anstey

Blatter has been president of Fifa since 1998

Blatter has been president of Fifa since 1998
photo: Shutterstock.com/kojoku

Sepp Blatter has said a football TV referral system may be trialled in 2015, allowing coaches to challenge a referee’s decision for the first time ever.

The Fifa president, who also revealed while speaking on video link at Manchester’s Soccerex conference that he will stand for a fifth term in his current position, said the trials would likely happen at next year’s Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

The trial would see managers for each side able to challenge at least one official decision each half, possibly two, and will only be able to be done where all matches receive television coverage.

The on-field referee will still have the final call on whether or not to change the decision, but the use of video technology will allow him to look at it in greater detail.

The idea is similar to the of the National Football League (NFL) where each team’s coach is allowed two opportunities per game to make a coach's challenge, a system used in American Football in its current format since 1999.

During the wide-ranging interview, Blatter also said that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will have to be played in winter despite fierce opposition and a consultation has started with the players' union FIFPro, clubs, leagues and the six continental federations about moving the ever more controversial tournament, while also stating that a boycott of the 2018 World Cup in Russia would not work or have any benefit.

Speaking on his intention to seek a fifth term as Fifa president, Blatter said he would make an official announcement at Fifa’s executive committee meeting on 25 and 26 of September.

"I got through the last congress in Sao Paulo not only the impression but the support of the majority, a huge majority of national associations asking: 'Please go on, be our president also in future,” said Blatter, who has the support from five of six continental bodies, with only Europe opposing his presidency.

The vote is scheduled for 29 May in Zurich, with the only other candidate so far being the former Fifa international relations director Jerome Champagne.




Connect with
Leisure Management
Magazine:
View issue contents
Sign up:
Instant Alerts/zines

Print edition
 

News headlines
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination   05 Jun 2026

A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care has revealed that almost half of participating .... more>>

Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day
Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day   05 Jun 2026

Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at .... more>>

Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction   05 Jun 2026

A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous .... more>>

Nuffield Health says it will appeal after losing at employment tribunal
Nuffield Health says it will appeal after losing at employment tribunal   05 Jun 2026

Nuffield Health has told HCM that it takes its responsibilities towards its colleagues seriously and is committed to meeting all legal .... more>>

Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi   05 Jun 2026

Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, .... more>>

Technogym and World Athletics team up to launch the Run X World Treadmill Championships
Technogym and World Athletics team up to launch the Run X World Treadmill Championships   05 Jun 2026

Technogym has announced the launch of the Run X World Treadmill Championship, the first world championship for running on connected treadmills over .... more>>

Company profile


GLL

We are sport, leisure and culture’s leading charitable social enterprise and worker-owned co-op founded on our purpose and values to provide a different, fairer and better way of doing business.

View full profile>>

Catalogue gallery


Featured Supplier

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Spa professionals see it every day: clients are arriving with more complex expectations. More>>




in this issue

• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources



Latest jobs

Jobs Search



Membership Advisor
Salary: Competitive salary plus commission & benefits
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
Customer Service Advisor
Salary: Competitive
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
GP Exercise Referral Instructor
Salary: £33,000pa + benefits
Location: Harrow
Company: Everyone Active
Diary dates
Powered by leisurediary.com

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland







Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd