Women’s World Cup 2023: Speaker Statement celebrates the premiere
For the first time, the referee’s decision in football is announced via loudspeakers to the fans in the stadium and in front of television screens. A model for the future?
Speaker’s interpretation of the video evidence decision marked his debut in the opening match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Japanese referee Yoshimi Yamashita explained to the 42,137 fans at Auckland’s Eden Park and TV viewers why there was a hand penalty to the co-host in the 90th minute during New Zealand’s 1-0 (0-0) win over former world champions Norway. .
The ball was on the arm of Norway defender Tuva Hansen from German champions Bayern Munich, and Yamashita overlooked the violation in real time. The referee’s explanation over the loudspeakers in the stadium lasted only a few seconds. Rhea Percival hit the penalty kick against the crossbar.
Comments by Pierluigi Collina
Even before the finals in Australia and New Zealand, senior FIFA referees were convinced of the benefits of loudspeaker advertising. “We want to create more transparency and understanding of the referees’ decisions,” said chief referee Pierluigi Collina.
During the final round, decisions are explained in English by the relevant referees via stadium microphones based on video evidence – similar to the NFL. FIFA has already tried this procedure in the Club World Cup and Men’s Under-20 World Cup. Specifically, the decision, its reason, the players involved and a brief description of the incident are announced.
It is expected that the megaphone announcement will also be used in national leagues such as the Bundesliga in the medium term.
“Coffee trailblazer. Social media ninja. Unapologetic web guru. Friendly music fan. Alcohol fanatic.”