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Platini wants five referees

16 May 2007 | 08:27 - Reuters

UEFA president Michel Platini says he wants two more referees in each match to reduce the number of controversial decisions.

 

"My idea is to increase the number of referees," Platini told French magazine France Football in an interview. "Refereeing with three people is obsolete. Three referees can't see everything."

In addition to the referee and the two linesmen, Platini wants two more officials who would stay next to the goals and could monitor what happens in the penalty areas.

"I propose two more referees, who would be over 45 and would not have to run because they would stay next to the goals," the former France playmaker said.

"We have to show the world that we're against unfairness and want to move towards fewer errors."

Platini said he was against the use of electronic devices and video to assist referees.

"There is a risk with electronic systems to dehumanise soccer," he said.

"If television channels want to be the bosses of refereeing, they can stand for election," he added.

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