Goal-Line Technology: IFAB, FIFA to Approve New Systems

The debate over goal-line technology is all but over, and the holdouts now need only one second to see why they're wrong.

Goal-line technology was expected to be approved Thursday by the International Football Association Board. If approved, national associations would be able to implement the technology.

(UPDATE: IFAB and FIFA have approved goal-line technology, according to breaking reports.)

From Reuters, via the Chicago Tribune:

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The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved goal-line technology in principle in March, pending the results of extensive tests on the systems of two companies.

…

There are eight votes on the IFAB, with four belonging to FIFA and one each to the national associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a three-quarters majority needed to approve a change in the laws.

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The English FA already voiced support for the technology (ESPNSoccernet). With testing complete, the Hawk-Eye or GoalRef systems could be used this season in the Premier League and two years from now at the World Cup in Brazil.

The issue came up again this summer during Euro 2012, when England defender John Terry cleared a shot by Ukraine's Marko Devic during a Group D match. Replays later showed that Terry had not been able to clear the ball before it crossed the line.

The goal was not allowed, and Ukraine exited the tournament at the group stage. The next day, FIFA president Sepp Blatter reiterated his support of goal-line technology.

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After last night’s match #GLT is no longer an alternative but a necessity.

— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) June 20, 2012"

England was involved in another controversial goal-line incident at the 2010 World Cup. During a Round of 16 match against Germany, England midfielder Frank Lampard's shot clearly crossed the goal line.

That time, too, the goal was not allowed. England lost the match, 4-1.

If implemented, the Hawk-Eye and GoalRef systems would be expected to catch similar incidents. What's more, both would need less than a second to do so. BBC Sport explains:

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Hawk-Eye's system works by utilising six cameras per goal to track the ball on the pitch.

The system's software then uses "triangulation" to pinpoint the exact location of the football.

If the ball crosses the goal-line, then an encrypted radio signal is sent to the referee's wristwatch to indicate a goal has been scored.

In line with FIFA's requirements, the whole process takes less than a second to complete.

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The GoalRef system uses a microchip embedded in the ball to determine whether the ball has crossed the goal line. It would also take less than one second to work.

Despite such technological advances, UEFA and president Michel Platini remain opposed to goal-line technology in any form (Daily Mail).

The arguments have been laid out. Now it's your turn, readers. Would you implement goal-line technology?

If not, why?

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