Barca controversy sparks big change in Spanish league

Video refereeing is set to be introduced in La Liga in 2018 after a blunder cost Barcelona a crucial goal at the weekend.

The Spanish league's president made the announcement on Monday, following widespread criticism of a mistake that cost Barcelona a legitimate goal against Real Betis.

The league initially said it would not comment on the missed call in Barcelona's 1-1 draw, but president Javier Tebas later told local media video refereeing will be implemented as soon as it's fully approved by FIFA.

"We have always defended the use of technology in soccer and in this case we believe that video referees is the most advanced option," Tebas said.

"The tests are already underway. I believe that beginning in July 2018, if FIFA approves it, we will start using it."

Tebas said video referees would be favoured over the goal-line technology that is in place in other European leagues.

He said systems such as Hawkeye were too expensive to be used only a few times each year.

"This year there were three other similar cases and nobody said much about it," he said.

"Maybe people are making such a big deal this time because the ball went in by a big margin."

The goal-line technology would have helped in the controversial play at Benito Villamarin Stadium in Seville, just after the hosts scored to lead Barcelona 1-0.

A Betis defender tried to intercept a cross into the area but sent the ball toward his own net.

A teammate came charging to clear the ball away from the goal, but it clearly crossed the line by the time he got to it. The linesman didn't signal a goal and the referee went with his decision.