Goal-line Tech Could Feature Next Season

Goaline-technology could be introduced into the Premier League midway through the 2012/13 season after two systems – Hawk-Eye and GoalRef – were approved by the International Football Association Board in Zurich last night.

The technology will first be used at the FIFA Club World Cup in December and, if successful, at the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup.

In a statement, the Premier League said it wanted the technology ‘as soon as practically possible.’

‘The Premier League has been a long-term advocate of goal-line technology. We welcome today’s decision by IFAB and will engage in discussions with both Hawk-Eye and GoalRef in the near future with a view to introducing goal-line technology as soon as is practically possible.’

The systems will require testing after they are installed in each stadium to ensure they are working properly before they can be used, with licenses lasting for 12 months.

The IFAB was also keen to stress that technology will not be used to help referees make any other decisions.

Hawk-Eye works by using six cameras on each goal to track the ball on the pitch. If the ball crosses the goal-line an encrypted radio signal is sent to the referee’s watch to indicate a goal in less than a second.

GoalRef uses a microchip inside the ball and low magnetic waves around the goal. If the ball crosses the line the system detects a change in the magnetic field on or behind the goal-line to determine if a goal has been score. The message is then relayed to the referee, also under one second.

The use of five match officials was also approved by FIFA, as well as the lifting of a ban on women wearing headscarves during games, clearing the way for the participation of many Islamic nations in top-flight competition.