FIFA has long resisted implementing replay technology into what is known as ‘The Beautiful Game’ of soccer. Instead, FIFA fully backs any refereeing decision made on the field and in that way, the refs have full support of the association. And it’s admirable the way FIFA stands behind its’ officials.

In the case of Norwegian ref Christiana Pedersen, FIFA has been prompted into damage control. This ref couldn’t keep it together during Monday’s match between the US and Canada. She allowed herself to be influenced by a player. That, for a ref, should be a cardinal sin and Ms. Pedersen’s dismissal should be considered.

FIFA has since stated that Ms. Pedersen will not be a part of either medal games today in London. That doesn’t sound like they’re standing behind their referee one hundred percent. Which is it FIFA? Either you have the referees’ backs or you don’t. The evidence in this case seems to indicate FIFA does not. It may be time to institute back up methods of determining the way a game is called.