Foul Play Review Process

While it does not affect the TMO Operator directly, they must have an understanding of the Foul Play Review Process (commonly referred to as “the Bunker”) and the role of the Foul Play Review Officer (FPRO). 

The FPRO is an extra match official who works in conjunction with the TMO to evaluate foul play outside of Formal TMO reviews. This is done to speed up the game. For further information please see below. 

The TMO Operator still needs to show the best angles to the Referee to enable them to make a decision. The TMO communicates with the FPRO and the Referee and the FRPO Operator will communicate with Broadcast about any decisions made and the angles used. 

What's the rationale for the FPRO?

The Foul play Review Process reduces lengthy on-field stoppages reviewing foul play, and allows them to be decided off-field, but during live match time. An additional match official makes the final decision during a yellow-card period as to whether the action warrants a red card sanction.  

How does it work?

Referees remain the lead decision-maker during matches, but, where this process is operating, they will have the ability to refer any foul play incident to the FPRO for Formal Review.

If the officiating team is unable to determine whether an incident warrants a red card after two-big screen replays but a minimum yellow card threshold is determined, the referee will cross their arms, signaling a Formal Review and the player will leave the field for 10 minutes as per the current yellow card laws.

A dedicated FPRO will then have up to eight minutes to review the incident using all available footage and technology, to determine the outcome.

The FPRO then communicates the decision to the officials and the Referee will either uphold the yellow card and enable the player to return after 10 minutes, or upgrade it to a red card. If upgraded, the player would not be able to return to play.