After record national player Lothar Matthäus, other former footballers, Olaf Thon, Thomas Helmer and Maik Franz, have spoken out in favor of reforming the video referee.
“We need more competence in refereeing, which is why I have long been in favor of involving ex-professionals, very active in the Cologne basement, as an important addition,” said 1990 world champion Thon the “kicker”.
1996 European champion Thomas Helmer also thinks “the idea is good”. In contrast to Thon, he would also be “ready for a practical test”. Just like Maik Franz: “I would find ex-professionals in the basement totally useful. And I wouldn’t refuse.” Thon pointed out that ex-professionals “of course” would have to be specially trained to work as video assistants.
After the recent wrong decisions last weekend, Matthäus had brought a reform of the current system under discussion. The German Football Association (DFB) was then open to “constructive suggestions”. At what level the integration demanded by Matthäus “could take place or would make sense should be objectively evaluated, above all, far from emotional and matchday-related discussions,” said referee boss Lutz Michael Fröhlich on “SID” request.