On Tuesday, FIFA TV issued a statement of what it charged as a television gaffe when it displayed the wrong image that indicate Brazil's third goal in their 4-1 victory against Cameroon was offside. FIFA TV is the official service provider for the world soccer body that provides live World Cup graphics for television audiences worldwide, Reuters said.
When Brazilian striker Fred scored a goal after 49 minutes into the game, millions of viewers thought that the assistant referee in the game had made the wrong call. During a replay of that moment on FIFA TV, a graphic showed the offside line from the position of a Cameroon player and not the Brazilian striker.
Director Niclas Ericson of FIFA TV acknowledged that an error was made, insisting that Fred was indeed behind the ball when it was crossed by David Luiz, and that the goal in the Group A match on Monday had rightly stood. He also assured that FIFA would do everything in its power to ensure its production team does not make a similar mistake again.
He told reporters, "We discussed with the production team why the line was placed wrongly. The production team have to make a very fast decision and mistakes can happen. The production director has total freedom to put in the line and correct it, but again we are reviewing this particular incident from yesterday to try to see how we can improve it."
Ericson also said that broadcasters all over the world appreciate the graphics for their own audiences, and that it should not be the match officials who are at fault. He added, "Commentators and other broadcasters will make corrections and make comments about it and here in Brazil it was discussed for many, many minutes on air. But it is clear the decision is taken by the referee and the TV support is just for the viewer and if it is not fully correct, then it can be fully corrected by the commentators."
