Goal-line technology to be given the go ahead

After months of testing and years of insider clashes, goal-line technology is widely expected ..

16:35 05 July 2012

 

After months of testing and years of insider clashes, goal-line technology is widely expected to be given the official go-ahead by the International FA Board. 

 

Reports have suggested that the board will approve both the Hawk-Eye and the GoalRef systems which will then be rolled out to the Premier League and Football Association.

 

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo backs the move and claimed it couldn't come soon enough. 

 

Di Matteo was quoted in The Telegraph as saying: "We see every season, every big tournament, we need it because there are some crucial moments within those games where with a bit of technology you could find the right solution."

 

However, don't expect anything to change overnight. Each venue will have to be licensed, installed and tested before it's adopted in competitive play. 

 

Speaking in Zurich, the IFAB were also quick to clear up that the technology will be an aid to referees rather than a replacement of their decision making process. 

 

This adds further controversy to the subject because it means that, in theory, a ref could consult the system and still not decide to award a goal even if the system indicates that a point had indeed been scored.

 

The technology will transmit a signal to match officials when a goal is scored, not directly to the audience in the stadium and watching TV. 

 

FIFA's president Sepp Blatter used to be against goal-line technology but after Frank Lampard's disallowed goal for England against Germany in the crucial 2010 World Cup his mind was changed.

 

The IFAB is made up of FIFA, who have four votes on the panel, and the four home nations, who have one vote each. Any law change needs at least six votes to go ahead.