Premier League referees' chief Howard Webb has revealed that listening live to match officials' decisions is not permitted under FIFA rules.
In a groundbreaking moment, PGMOL head Webb spoke to Sky Sports on the Monday Night Football show, offering audio clips of discussions between referees and the VARs during Premier League matches this season. The overturned penalty for Newcastle against Arsenal recently and Kai Havertz's handball against Liverpool were among the moments looked at closely.
There have been numerous calls for supporters watching on TV to be allowed to hear what the referee is saying to players on the field, much like they do in Rugby Union. Rugby officials are mic'd up, as football referees are, but fans can hear what happens live when they speak to the TMO (Television Match Official) and even the players.
READ MORE: What VAR told Craig Pawson that led to Trossard goal in Arsenal vs Leicester being ruled out
However, that cannot happen in the Premier League, due to FIFA rules. Although Webb did not rule out that changes in the future could happen.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: " We’re looking to do this as much as we possibly can and tonight is something new. We’re making a small step forward and looking into next season we’ll be looking to do more of the same.
"We can’t play it live within the game, as that is not allowed within the laws of the game - FIFA don’t allow us to play this out during the game, and who knows where that might go in future.
"But, there’s nothing to stop us doing what we’re doing tonight and showing that information later. I hope tonight’s been a good insight as we draw that curtain back, we’ve tried to show you a range of situations and looking forward we’re hoping to do more of the same."
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