5 Jul 2012

Goal-line technology for football gets go-ahead

The use of goal-line technology in football is approved in an historic decision by the International FA Board (IFAB).

Two systems, Hawk-Eye and GoalRef, have been approved after passing a series of scientific tests.

Technology could be introduced into the Premier League in the new year following the decision at a meeting in Zurich.

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo said a system was needed as soon as possible.

“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,” he said.

Each system will need to be licensed, installed and then tested in every venue to make sure it is working properly.

IFAB, who met in Zurich, will also insist that the technology is used only as an aid to referees to make a decision, rather than being the deciding factor in whether the ball has crossed the line.

The technology:

Hawk-eye
Six or seven high-speed cameras at both ends of the stadium, mounted on the roof, track the ball in flight and a computer system calculates exactly where the ball is on the pitch, sending an electronic message to a watch-like receiver worn by the match officials when it crosses the goal-line.

The only issue is whether the Hawk-Eye cameras would work in the very rare instance of the ball being completely covered by the goalkeeper's body.

GoalRef
Three magnetic strips are placed inside the outer lining of the ball, between the bladder and the outer casing, and when the ball crosses the line these are detected by sensors inside the goalposts and crossbar.

The sensors send out electronic waves which are disrupted when the ball crosses the line, and a computer then sends a message to the match officials' watch receivers in less than a second.

It means referees can still decide not to award a goal based on what they see even if the systems are indicating the ball has crossed the line.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter is now a firm supporter of goal-line technology, having changed his mind after Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal for England against Germany in the 2010 World Cup.

The clamour increased last month after Ukraine’s disallowed goal against England, and has also served to sweep aside any lingering doubts over the systems’ margins of error.

The Scottish FA’s Chief Executive Stuart Regan has also called for goal-line technology in the past following a controversial decision in a Celtic Rangers game last year.

The tests on the technology were carried out by the EMPA – the Swiss Federal Laboratory for Materials Science and Technology – and the results discussed by IFAB members at a meeting earlier this month.