Goal-line Technology To Get Go Ahead
Goal-line technology will be given the green light by the International FA Board (IFAB) next week, after two systems passed the testing programme – according to media reports.
The Press Association has reported that the two systems – Hawk-Eye and GoalRef – passed exhaustive scientific tests to the satisfaction of the IFAB.
The Hawk-Eye system is based on cameras, while GoalRef uses magnetic fields to track the football.
When the IFAB officially announces the decision it will reportedly stress that the systems will be approved as an aid to referees, rather than the ultimate decision-maker.
The approval will come as a setback to UEFA president Michel Platini, a long-time opponent to the technology, who has been tipped to succeed FIFA president Sepp Blatter when his term finishes.
Blatter reiterated his support for goal-line technology in the wake of the latest controversial incident that saw Ukraine denied a goal against England at Euro 2012, while Platini has been promoting the use of an extra official standing behind each dead-ball line – although that system was in place for the Ukraine-England game.
The IFAB comprises world governing body FIFA, which has four votes, and representatives of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, who have one vote per country. For the law to be changed, six votes must be cast in favour of the motion.
