Blatter calls for managers to have video challenges

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has suggested that managers should be allowed two challenges to refereeing decisions during a match.

The move, which could revolutionise football if approved, would allow a boss to appeal against an official's decision and then television evidence would be used to decide whether it was correct.

The International FA Board, the game's law-making body, would have to agree to any such move and would take at least 18 months for a first decision.

Speaking at the FIFA Congress in Sao Paulo, Blatter told delegates: "We could do something more on the field of play.

"Why don't we give team managers the possibility of two challenges for refereeing during the match? If the manager disagrees with a decision why should he not ask for an immediate TV review with the referee?"

Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan, who is an IFAB board member, said such a change would be "a complete departure" for the game.

Speaking at the Congress, Regan said: "It would be a complete change from where we are now and I'm hearing that comment tonight for the first time.

"It would be a complete departure from what we have had. If the manager has an appeal and that results in the game being stopped, that interferes with how you and I understand football operates which is fast-moving, flowing, and that's what fans have come to expect.

"A lot of debate has to go on. Goal-line technology is a black and white decision, but if it is a subjective decision you can look at it 100 times and sometimes you can't rule.

"It would have to be decided by IFAB and would have to go to the football and technical advisory panels, and it would be at least 18 months to two years."