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High-level tests for referee 'radio'

UEFA is to extend its tests of a referee communication system to the UEFA Champions League this week, following on from its use in some UEFA Cup matches.

UEFA will continue testing a referee communication system this week – with the tests taking place for the first time in the UEFA Champions League as well as in the UEFA Cup.

Open microphone
The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg matches in question are FC Bayern München-AC Milan (refereed by Belgium's Frank de Bleeckere); PSV Eindhoven–Olympique Lyonnais (Greece's Kyros Vassaras); and AFC Ajax–FC Internazionale Milano (Germany's Wolfgang Stark). The UEFA Cup Round of 32 second-leg games are RC Strasbourg–PFC Litex Lovech, RC Lens–Udinese Calcio and Olympique de Marseille–Bolton Wanderers FC. The system (featuring an open microphone and an earphone) will allow the assistants and the fourth official to communicate with the referee and vice versa, as well as to hear what is being said on the pitch. UEFA is conducting the tests over the rest of the season.

Full tests
"The decision to conduct a full battery of tests comes following the proposal of the UEFA Referees Committee, which also stressed the importance of the tests being carried out at the highest level of the game in order to test the system in a real big-match atmosphere," said UEFA. "The referee communication system, aimed at allowing quicker exchange of information, could be of help in several situations, such as substitutions, additional time, the identity of a cautioned player and fouls which occur out of sight of the referee. The system is a closed circuit and will not be used in any way for television broadcast."

Results awaited
The system is already used in both France and Scotland, and depending on the results of the tests, UEFA will decide whether or not to extend its use for its leading competitions. "UEFA is in favour of technological help, provided it has no incidence on the fluidity of play and provided it could not undermine the authority of the referee," UEFA added.

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