Refereeing Department makes major change for play-offs – Football News

The Professional Refereeing Department of the Belgian Football Association today introduced some innovations in arbitration towards the play-offs.

Peter Willems, newly appointed director of the Professional Refereeing Department, wants the success of last season’s excellent play-offs to be repeated now.

“These were extremely successful, thanks to specific competition preparations, teamwork and good physical preparedness,” said Het Nieuwsblad.

VAR teams for Champions’ Playoffs

A major change is being implemented, the director said. “We are changing the allocation system for this year. No longer one person, but a team will make the decisions.”

The refs also receive a tactical football analysis report, i.e. information about the teams they referee. “A ref must be able to anticipate better. In addition, our permanent VAR teams will always work together. This should ensure better communication with each other and with the site.”

This has consequences for the Europe Play-offs. “In Play-off II we want to give opportunities to emerging talents and return to a system of observers. After all, we sense that not everyone knows the rules yet.”