President of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo confirmed this Sunday that Ligue 1 referees would have sound systems from next season.
A few years after the implementation of VAR, a new small revolution will take place next season in terms of refereeing in Ligue 1. Referees in the French championship will now be equipped with microphones during matches. It was Philippe Diallo who announced it on Sunday at the microphone of bein Sports. The measure was requested by many observers, particularly after the multiple refereeing failures and the multiple controversies that occurred throughout the season.
The president of the FFF explained when the referee’s words would be audible. And it will not be during the entire game, as is the case in rugby where viewers can hear the referee’s explanations at each whistle. “ The sound system is ready. (…) I intervened with Fifa (…), we had this authorization (…), when a referee goes to see the screen at the edge of the pitch to consult the VAR images, to be able to turn towards the public by being equipped with a microphone and being able to explain what he saw and the resulting decision. »
OL-PSG, the big test
Confirming that the referees had already been trained in this regard, the manager however indicated that it was now necessary to equip the different stadiums so that the sound system in question was operational. And without waiting for the next Ligue 1 season, Philippe Diallo has made it known that he intends to put this in place during the women’s championship playoffs. But the major test will take place on May 25, since the referee’s public address system will be used during the Coupe de France final between Olympique Lyonnais and Paris Saint-Germain.
At the time VAR was introduced, supporters of this new system were convinced that it would solve all the problems. A few years later, it is clear that the matter still has room for improvement. Now it’s time for the referees’ sound system. The most optimistic hope that the development will be decisive.
