The nonsensical ravings of another in the media

FIFA: The art of defying logic and progress

Last month, FIFA decided to hand Christine Sinclair, captain of the Canadian womens' soccer team, her punishment for comments made during the 2012 Olympic semi-final match.

The only explanation they gave her for the four game suspension and the CHF 3500 fine was 'unsporting behaviour towards match officials'.

The alleged act was commited during a game marred with questionable calls. The US team whom they were playing, were even surprised at the turn of events. It left many a Canadians with a bitter taste in their mouths in the aftermath of the cliff hanger match where Sinclair scored all three goals owned by her team that day. ...

See the whole story here, from HITC.

Kicking Back Comments: I'm not quite sure where to go with this. It was actually pretty funny in spots since it is so misplaced ... so incredibly misplaced. Ms. Pradhan is clearly out of her depth.

I actually thought I was reading a piece in the Examiner on soccer for a second.

UEFA Experimenting with Referee Speed Drills

Well UEFA had to get in on the technology experiments like FIFA. Just take a look at the video below. In the same vein of adding more referees to cover move of the field, here is an experiment where UEFA still has (4) referees, but in the interest of having the man in the middle more mobile, is issuing a Segway to each to allow them to cover more ground per match.

No word from IFAB yet, the World's Law making authority, if the measure will be taken up next year at the annual meeting where goal line technology was approved just weeks ago to move forward in the international game.

See the whole story here, from the Sun.

Blame Kicking Back Junior, Not Me

Junior has turned me onto "Annoying Orange," a sample of which, in a World Cup theme is below.

In other adventures you can see Pear, Passion, and Marshmallow. These characters along with Orange pretty much sum up my family life.

All I can say is, I am not Orange.

Don't Get Cute ...

... it will cost you. Just ask Marco Antonio Rodriguez, FIFA referee from Mexico.

Mexican ref Marco Antonio Rodriguez nets a 5 game ban for showboating

Mexico’s FA this week banned referee Marco Antonio Rodriguez for his showboating antics during last season’s Apertura final between Tigres-Santos.

The second leg of the final, held in December 2011, was a complete mess from an officiating standpoint as ref Rodriguez splashed seven yellow cards and three red cards during the 90 minutes. One incident, however, stood out from the rest in the farce. ...

See the whole story here, from 101greatgoals.com.

Kicking Back Comments: Here is the picture:

He's lucky he only got (5) games. The Mexican FA's work may have saved Rodriguez more grief from FIFA. Also, if he was not the Mexican refereeing legend he was, he may not have a badge today.

I admit, it is cute, but there is a time and place, and this was neither.

Incorrect Football Refereeing Decisions to be made Mandatory

In what appears to be a follow up of UEFA President Michel Platini's comments about video technology, a spokesperson for the governing body in European Football made the announcement in a press conference yesterday.

"UEFA has decided to make incorrect referee decisions mandatory, effective from the knock out stages of the UEFA Champions League and the Last-16 of Europa League. This ruling will be applicable to only these 2 tournaments this season. However, starting the 2012-13 season, allleagues and all competitions overseen by UEFA will be required to introduce mandatory referee decisions which are incorrect. This decision was taken up as part of our efforts to drive the organization along the 'totally-not-ridiculous' vision of our legendary President Michel Platini."

See the whole story here, courtesy of The Spoof.

Kicking Back Comments: What's that saying? Funny how art imitates life? 

Gotta Love Jib-Jab: 2011 Buh-Bye

Right from the horse's ass

Sepp Blatter: Mistakes were made, some of them horrific, but we are determined to remedy the ills of the past

Dear readers of insideworldfootball

On the occasion of the 13th edition of the International Football Arena (IFA) conference in Zurich, on November 7 and 8, I will present updates and reflections that underline our road towards a different FIFA. The 200 opinion leaders from around the world, gathered at the IFA, will witness our determination to remedy the ills of the past, and how we intend to improve the way we do business. Through this column, I want to share some of the thoughts presented in Zurich with a much broader public so as to stress the relevance I give to the changes that are presently happening at FIFA. ...

Read the whole farcical tale here, courtesy of Inside World Football.

Kicking Back Comments: ... and I have some land in Florida to sell you. Please send $19.95 cash for your deed to the land. Send these monies to the following:

Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
Headquarters: FIFA House, 11 Hitzigweg, 8030 Zurich, Switzerland

Too Good Not To Share: William Shatner on Turkey Fryers

Damn it Jim, I'm a Doctor, not a rôtisseur.

Twice is just as nice ...

It's Sunday, It's Soccer, It's Angry Birds - 'Nuff Said

Sad Yet Funny Commnetary

See it here, from Not Running a Hospital.

@FakeSepp Revealed!

So as some from seen from me from time to time, I follow @FakeSepp on Twitter. He is hilarious and pokes some good fun at the current president of FIFA.

In a tweet from him on the 3rd, his secret identity is revealed, as well as some insight into the man himself, Zach Woosley. Not the model from Boston, the photocopier technician from Texas.

Check out the interview at fourfourtwo.com here, and some of Zach's work at SBNation.com.

Interesting insight into a soccer satirist.

You have to love this ...

... check out a referee's sweet revenge here, at Not Running a Hospital. Absolutely perfect!

What now?

Picture courtesy of Townhall.com

Special thanks to C.W. Rice for bringing this one forward!

Easy as 1, 2, 3, 4 ...

There are times when the WWW is just silly. Here is an example.
I wish I had known this when I was working to become an MLS referee. =/

How to Become an MLS Official

Major League Soccer (MLS) is a soccer league for 13 top soccer teams in the United States and Canada. The group was founded in 1996 and has experienced major growth; by 2010, they hope to be made up of 16 teams. Follow these steps if you love soccer and would like to become an official in the MLS.

Difficulty:

 

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. • 1
     Become a referee in the MLS. To become an MLS referee, you must be a National Referee in the United States Soccer Federation. You can only hold that position if you have officiated in over 500 games in a period of not less than 7 years.

See the full 4 step plan here, courtesy of eHow.com.

Fooled you again?

As many of you no doubt noted yesterday (especially if you read my comment) I was having a little fun with folks on April Fool's Day ... which I consider a national holiday =)

Well I certainly was not the only one having some fun, just take a look at this one:

Fifa to allow Frank Lampard's World Cup goal for England v Germany as part of new 'retroactive goal-line technology' review system

Just great stuff from goal.com.