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Last Updated: Tuesday, 20 January, 2004, 17:18 GMT
FA excited by earpiece technology
By Paul Fletcher

Genk goalkeeper Jan Moons wore an earpiece connected to his coach
Moons received instructions from his coach
The Football Association says it may vote in favour of radio communication between players and coaches.

The FA is considering the move after Belgian goalkeeper Jan Moons became the first player to use an earpiece to receive instructions during a match.

FA executive director David Davies told BBC Sport: "We haven't yet got a firm stance on the subject."

"But in England we've always been interested in new technology," he said.

Other sports already allow radio communications between participants and their tacticians, for instance in Formula One and the NFL.

And they have been experimented with in football - but only to allow referees to communicate with their assistants.

Davies is hopeful the subject will be raised when the International Football Association Board meets next month - but fears any hopes to introduce the technology may fail.

No my coach doesn't tell me which way I have to dive!
Genk goalkeeper Jan Moons
"We are members of the international board, which decides the laws of the game," added Davies.

"We abide by laws as laid down by the board and although I have not heard of this before I'm sure it will be of interest.

"But sometimes we have found ourselves in a minority on the international board."

Fifa, world football's governing body, seems unsure of whether or not such technology is allowed.

Article Four of the game's laws only says a player's equipment must not put in danger his own security or that of others.

"In terms of any equipment which is on the field, Law Four is the first guidance," said a Fifa spokesman.

"This states that a player should not use equipment that is dangerous to themselves.

"Any equipment that is used on the field of play, such as goggles, must not be dangerous to the player, and whether it is or not, is left to the discretion of the referee."

Belgium national team coach Aime Antheunis has said he is keen to use the technology at international level following Genk's experiment.

"This will bring about a real revolution in the world of football. If Fifa authorise it, I will definitely use it."

And Moons himself said the earpiece had dramatic effects in their 1-0 victory over Club Brugge.

"At first you feel it but after a few minutes you hardly notice that it's there," he said.

"Two or three times he gave me tactical information which I then gave to the defenders.

"And no, the coach doesn't tell me which way I have to dive!"




SEE ALSO
Radio link-up for referees
07 May 03  |  Super League


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