The Saudi Arabian Football Federation's Referees Committee issued a detailed statement clarifying the controversy surrounding certain refereeing decisions in the Al-Ahli vs. Damac match, which was part of the postponed tenth round of the Saudi Professional League. The statement affirmed the soundness of the procedures followed and the adherence to internationally recognized protocols for handling unforeseen technical malfunctions of the modern refereeing technology.
The committee explained in its official statement that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology and its related technologies, such as semi-automated offside technology, operate in accordance with the strict regulations and protocols approved by FIFA. It emphasized that providing alternative technologies is a fundamental part of these protocols to ensure the continuity of matches and the accuracy of refereeing decisions, even in the event of any unforeseen technical malfunction.
General context and importance of technology in modern football
This clarification comes at a time when technology has become an integral part of football at the highest levels. With the increasing pace of play and the growing pressure on referees, technologies such as VAR and semi-automated offside have been introduced to enhance fairness and reduce significant human error. The Saudi Professional League, which enjoys increasing global attention thanks to its attraction of international stars, is considered a pioneer in implementing these technologies to ensure the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, making any incident involving these systems a matter of widespread interest.
Details of the incident and the actions taken
Regarding the Al-Ahli vs. Damac match, the committee revealed that during the review of Damac's first goal, a temporary technical glitch occurred in the main semi-automated offside technology. In accordance with the established protocol, the alternative technology, 3D Offside, was immediately activated. This system is considered reliable and accurate. The committee confirmed that immediate coordination took place with Hawk-Eye, the technology operator, and the glitch was resolved within minutes. After the main system was fully operational again, the incident was reviewed, which confirmed the referee's decision to disallow the goal due to a clear offside. This confirms that the final decision was 100% correct.
Importance and impact on the league's reputation
The issuance of this transparent and swift statement by the Referees Committee is of paramount importance both locally and internationally. Locally, it aims to reassure clubs and fans, reaffirming the commitment to transparency and fairness, and preempting any rumors or misinterpretations that could undermine the credibility of the competition. Internationally, the professional handling of such technical situations enhances the reputation of the Roshan League as a well-organized tournament adhering to the highest global standards, thus increasing its appeal to investors and followers worldwide. The Committee concluded its statement by confirming that it had received a comprehensive technical report from the operating company detailing the malfunction and the corrective measures taken, reiterating its openness to inquiries from all clubs in the interest of transparency and the development of the refereeing system.
