Dutch FA officials reveal PL matches can have video technology within five years

Dutch Football Association (FA) officials have revealed that the Premier League matches could have the video technology within five years, despite a 12-month delay with their trials.

The International Football Association Board had pushed back trials in competitive matches by a year in February, but Gijs de Jong, operations director at the Dutch FA (KNVB), revealed that the technology would be used in the not-too-distant future.

De Jong believes that it won't take more than five years. He said that it is frustrating because they questioned them if it would be used in 20 years or 10 years and everyone said yes, The BBC reported.

De Jong added that then when one says would it be used in one year they say, that they don't think so.

Referees in the English top-flight have come under intense scrutiny recently with a number of high-profile errors made by officials in matches this season, one such incident being when Gareth McAuley's red card against Manchester City was transferred to teammate Craig Dawson after referee Neil Swarbrick admitted that he sent off the wrong man for bringing down Wilfried Bony in the second minute of Albion's 3-0 defeat on 21 March.

Another incident occurred when Sunderland's Wes Brown was sent off for a foul on Manchester United's Radamel Falcao in the Wearsiders' 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford on 28 February. TV replays appeared to show Brown's teammate John O'Shea dragged back the Colombian.

De Jong believes every mistake by referees strengthens the case for video technology and can help bring forward its introduction. He said that when they get some good examples like they have had in the Premier League and Champions League, then hopefully it would speed up and they do reach the five year period.