REFS AND JOKERS

Fifa, football's world governing body, are to test an experimental scheme suggested by the legendary French forward Michael Platini where extra assistant referees will be stationed behind each goal. The experiment with officials behind the goal-lines is now likely to be on trial during the Confederations Cup in France next June. France, Brazil, Cameroon, the United States, New Zealand, Colombia, Japan and one other team yet to be confirmed are taking part.

On transfers, the French delegation urged Fifa to adopt the system in use in their league when clubs can sign a joker when the window is closed. The worldwide enforcement of the transfer window system has drawn criticism this summer, with English clubs notably opposed to itsintroduction. Fifa's Players' Status Committee will also reconsider proposals by the Football League for clubs in the First, Second and Third Divisions to be exempt from the transfer window.