Cologne sees premiere use of the instant replay

For the first time in handball’s history the instant video replay has been used at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne.

The German referees Lars Geipel and Markus Helbig took the opportunity to check the replay of the attack of Paris Saint-Germain in the 59th minute of the semi-final against Vive Tauron Kielce during which Kielce’s Tobias Reichmann got elbowed by Igor Vori.

“We could use the technology for the first time and we were happy to have this technical support. Only by watching the instant replay we could make our decision. In general, I think that this device is a good tool,” Geipel commented after the match.

Consequently, Vori received a direct red card followed by a one-match ban issued by a disciplinary commission later on Saturday evening.

The instant replay offers the possibility to the referees to immediately watch a situation on a TV screen if they were not able to see the complete action on the court and if they wish to check again before reaching a decision.

Goal-line cameras

Besides the instant replay two other technologies are helping referees at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 in Cologne – goal-light and goal-line technology, which was used most recently at the Men’s EHF Cup Finals in Nantes.

"Even before the start of the tournament we received a positive feedback from the clubs. We want to have the objective truth and we try to give the referees the tools they need to have as many correct decisions as possible. The referees are challenged by the quick match play and thus need our support. But still the referees have the final decision, in which situations they want to use this technology," EHF Secretary General Michael Wiederer commented.

"Since years we use the VELUX EHF FINAL4 for tests on highest level like for the goal-line technology before, agreed by the clubs. If all financial and organisational details are clarified, we will decide whether we will use the technology in all Champions League matches or at EHF EURO events," commented Wiederer.

Read more about the technology use at the VELUX EHF FINAL4 here