Podcast 19: Innovations in football

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On this week's show we focus on some innovations in football; new ideas to 'improve' the game of football. There is also a worksheet for this report which can be downloaded here.



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Transcript

Despite what the traditionalists might say football is a sport that is constantly evolving. Three points for a win was deemed too radical for some back in 1981 when it was first introduced in England but it's now accepted as the standard manner of rewarding victories around the world. Other innovations that have changed football in recent years include the banning of the tackle from behind, the reduction of back passes to the keeper, the addition of extra substitutes on the bench, the introduction of yellow and red cards and probably the most controversial allowing players to have more freedom in their contracts. These and more have all revolutionised the game in one way or another over the past 20 years or so. So, on this week's main report we asked a panel of football experts what they thought of some of the possible innovations that possibly lay ahead in the game.

Idea 1: So what do think about a 39th game in the Premier League being played somewhere abroad, around the world?

Tim

Ridiculous! Absolutely ridiculous. It's just a money grab by the Premier League and it just doesn't make any sense. Any way you look at it it doesn't make sense: for teams being relegated, for teams going for the title. Just ridiculous.



Simon

Totally unnecessary to get players logistically off playing in Katmandu or where ever. It's just a no goer. I think it's just about money and I don't like it.



Hans

The 39th game seems to be a money making agenda, so personally I would say no. It's not a good idea.

Idea 2: What about the idea of using foam to measure out the 10 yards a wall should be back in a free kick.

Tim

I think experimenting is not a bad idea. I have doubts whether it would actually end up being any good. I think there's a lot of problems... Like you know, if there's a problem with the free kick and they retake it, do they have to spray again or something like that. But it's worth a try I'd say.



Simon

To be honest I had to clarify the question with Damon. And when I heard it, it's just so ridiculous that a referee is going to stand there and spray a line which hopefully will last a minute. What happens after a minute if the ball isn't back. Do we get more spray? I mean it sounds as if we're getting too American for me, so the answer is no.



Hans

Keeping players back with spray at set pieces is not just a bad idea - it's a ludicrous idea. Definitely no good.

Ideas 3 and 4: And another match official on the goal line?