Goal-line Tech To Be Trialled At Wembley

25 May 2012 | tshego

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Goal-line technology is set for a high-profile debut at Wembley Stadium when England take on Belgium on 2nd June as part of the side’s UEFA Euro 2012 preparations.

Hawk-Eye technology will feature in the friendly played by Roy Hodgson’s side ahead of the tournament, but its readings will not be available to match officials during the game and will have no impact on any contentious goal-line decisions.

The first live test of Hawk-Eye’s systems were conducted earlier this month in the Hampshire Senior Cup final at St Mary’s Stadium.

Independent testers EMPA will observe the system along with representatives from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and FIFA.

The trials are being conducted alongside tests of the GoalRef system in Denmark. If the trials prove successful the IFAB could approve the introduction of goal-line technology at its special meeting on 2^ndJuly, where a final decision on the subject is set to be made.

The IFAB in March reduced the number of companies bidding to implement the initiative to two, rejecting six devices to leave those put forward by Hawk-Eye and GoalRef.

A statement from FIFA read: ‘FIFA would like to place on record its sincere thanks to The Football Association for their willingness to support the live match tests, a critical part of test phase two for goal-line technology. The phase two test results will be provided to the IFAB in order for a definitive decision on the use of goal-line technology.’