If At First You Don't Succeed

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith is thinking about putting forward the idea of video replays again to the game's lawmakers. Last year's approach by the SFA to the International Football Association Board, which governs the game's laws, failed to convince them that the introduction of video technology would benefit the game. The issue is again in the forefront following the Thierry Henry's now-infamous handball against the Republic of Ireland. The resultant goal cost the Irish a place in the World Cup finals. SFA chief Smith wants to see the introduction of a system which gives each manager two challenges per game.

Smith said: "I don't think referees will be undermined. It will mean we get the right decision in matches. If the Irish had called for TV pictures - and the game had stopped anyway - the goal would have been disallowed and they could be going to the World Cup next summer instead of France. That's how vital it is to get these decisions right."

The next IFAB meeting will be held in March. The board is made up of the four home associations, who each have a vote, and FIFA, who have four votes. Smith could bring a proposal under 'any other business'. He said: "I would put forward a system where two challenges are allowed per game per technical area." FIFA, however, could use the same meeting to try to fast-track UEFA president Michel Platini's prefered system of having an extra assistant referee behind each goal-line so it can be used at next summer's World Cup.