IFAB to meet in Manchester

Monday, 12 February 2007

Goalline technology and the displaying of statements on players' equipment are among the items on the agenda for next month's annual meeting of football's lawmakers, the International FA Board (IFAB).

Laws amendments
The IFAB - composed of representatives from the football associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as FIFA - will discuss various possible amendments to the Laws when the body convenes at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester for its 121st annual general meeting on Saturday 3 March. The four British associations have one vote apiece, while FIFA, representing its 203 other members, has four votes, with any proposal requiring a three-quarter majority (ie six of the eight votes) to be approved.

Law 4 revision
The agenda for this year's IFAB AGM includes FIFA's proposed revision of Law 4 to prohibit players from displaying political, religious or personal statements on their equipment and thus allow such transgressions to be handled by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. A further submission from the world governing body proposes that a yellow card be shown to any player who covers his or her face with a mask while celebrating a goal.

Goalline technology
Among the items for discussion and decision in section IV of the agenda are goalline technology, with three separate projects submitted for consideration, and the sanctions to be imposed on any player who intentionally strikes an opponent with an elbow. The IFAB will also address the issues of pitch-side TV monitors and video evidence.