21 Nov 2009

Football referee system in need of overhaul

8:33 am on 21 November 2009

The football referee system has come under scrutiny after France's controversial win against Ireland in yesterday's World Cup qualifying match in Paris.

French defender William Gallas scored a goal during extra time to push ahead of Ireland 2-1 on aggregate, after the match referee failed to notice a hand-ball by Thierry Henry.

Former FIFA referee Stuart Dougal says the current system is not without its faults, and the football federation is looking at a range of options to improve the policing of the game.

Dougal says on top of the proposed goal referee system, FIFA are looking at the potential for video referees.