The Australian A-League game between Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC on Friday will see referees miked up and their decisions broadcast as part of live television coverage.
The initiative will extend to other games in the A-League 2014 Finals Series and the A-League Grand Final involving sides such as Brisbane Roar, Western Sydney Wanderers, Central Coast Mariners and Adelaide United.
It is the first time that referees have been miked up for this purpose in professional football although the practice has been widely used in both rugby union and rugby league.
“Broadcasting is constantly evolving to give TV viewers an increasing insight into live sport and we’re excited to work with Fox Sports to take football fans closer than they have ever been with an extra microphone on the field of play,” Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop said.
“We believe the extra microphone is a significant step forward and gives fans a greater insight into what’s happening on the pitch.
“Sports fans around the world are privileged to be able to hear the thoughts of the referees and we’re pleased A-League fans will be able to experience this as we move into a thrilling Finals Series.”
Fox Sports CEO, Patrick Delany, welcomed the change in order for football to come in line with other sports played in Australia which already involves referees being miked up.
He said: “This is a massive development for football in Australia and we applaud the FFA for working with us to bring this innovation to life.
“Fans of other codes are now accustomed to hearing the reasoning for key decisions made during matches directly from the referee. Now football fans can experience that same level of insight throughout the A-League Finals Series.”
Premier League referees in England wear microphones for the purpose of communicating with his assistants although their conversations are not broadcast publicly.
Soccer Hot News
Ancelotti: Barca era not over
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti refused to accept Barcelona’s successful period is over, after winning the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.
Ancelotti won his first trophy in charge of Real, as the Spanish capital club claimed a 2-1 triumph over Barca in the cup final at the Mestalla.
Gareth Bale scored the decisive goal in the 85th minute, with the Welsh superstar vindicating Real’s world-record transfer fee for the winger’s services.
The 2007-08 term was the last when Barca ended a season without a trophy, which resulted in the sacking of coach Frank Rijkaard, and the Catalan club are facing a similar fate in 2013-14.
The La Liga crown is the only remaining title within Barca’s grasp, and they are third in the race for it – four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.
But despite Barca’s struggles of late, Ancelotti said their Copa del Rey success did not mark the end of their El Clasico rivals’ dominance.
“I don’t think this means the end of the cycle for them. If we look at the game itself, they’ve done very well and have had their chances … most of all when they equalised,” the Italian said.
“They’re a very dangerous team and although everyone is saying it’s the end of a cycle, I don’t see it that way.”
Ancelotti’s side, conversely, remain eligible to win the treble this season, and he said a final win would boost his squad’s confidence – especially seeing they did it without star attacker Cristiano Ronaldo.
“They’ve all worked hard. We didn’t have Cristiano, but the motivation of everyone else was at its peak and they worked even harder.
“This game gives us strength for the other two competitions.”
Bale has scored 20 goals in all competitions this campaign, and Ancelotti hailed his recent addition – an extraordinary counter-attack goal that had the Welshman well off the pitch at one point – as the finest of his career.
“This is probably the most important goal of his career, because it’s a defining moment,” he said.
“He had a very good game, just like the rest.
“Real Madrid have played as a team. Only by doing that, can you beat Barca.”
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