Valery Gladilin, a former football player and coach who led Spartak Moscow, has commented on how refereeing decisions are communicated as video replays are reviewed during matches. In an interview conducted with socialbites.ca, he emphasized that it is appropriate for referees to articulate their calls to the audience and applauded the policy championed by Alexander Dyukov, the president of the Russian Football Union (RFU). The essence of his message is that transparency in decision-making strengthens trust among fans and stakeholders alike. He noted that the policy aligns with established practices in top footballing nations and with the broader directions seen across the sport today. While the debates around video technology continue, Gladilin expressed strong support for the stance that decisions should be heard clearly and explained to viewers, both in stadiums and on broadcasts. [citation: socialbites.ca]
“They are moving in the right direction”, he stated. “Still, the president of the RFU, Dyukov, is pursuing the proper course because we must follow the same path as European and world football. We should not stray from this course. We also align with what has been happening in the world’s leading football powers for a long time. So this is the right decision, and I fully support it.” [citation: socialbites.ca]
Gladilin further remarked that those who attend matches in person will gradually become accustomed to the changes. However, he underscored that the vast majority of fans watch football on television, where broadcasts explain every critical call. He pointed out that tens of thousands of spectators fill the stadiums, but the television audience numbers in the millions, so it is essential that the rationale behind decisions is clearly communicated on the airwaves. [citation: socialbites.ca]
Starting in March 2024, referees in RFU-sanctioned matches will be required to vocalize their decisions after reviewing video replays on a monitor. The officiating crew will be heard both inside the stadium and on television during the spring portion of the 2023/24 season. This move represents a formal adoption of a transparent process that mirrors contemporary international standards for game management and communication. [citation: socialbites.ca]
The RFU is conducting this trial under the oversight of major international bodies, including the International Football Association Council (IFAB) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). A parallel initiative has already been implemented in the Media Football League (MFL) since 2022, serving as a proving ground for the approach before broader adoption. The collaboration with IFAB and FIFA signals a commitment to harmonizing procedures with global best practices and ensuring consistent interpretation across leagues and competitions. [citation: socialbites.ca]
Beyond the formal policy, there is a sense that the changes will influence coaching decisions, broadcast presentation, and fan engagement. Former Spartak coach Carrera, while discussing these developments, extended his best wishes to the team and the league, highlighting that clear communication from referees can reduce confusion and elevate the overall viewing experience for supporters. This perspective reinforces the notion that transparency in officiating matters not only to players and clubs but also to fans who rely on credible broadcasts to understand the flow of the game. [citation: socialbites.ca]