Goal-line technology could be introduced in the Premier League midway through the 2012-13 season after it was approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Zurich. Two systems - Hawk-Eye and GoalRef - have passed Fifa's criteria for use. The technology will first be used at December's Fifa Club World Cup and, if successful, at the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup. The Premier League said it wanted it "as soon as practically possible." A statement following IFAB's announcement added: "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." FA general secretary Alex Horne said it was up to the Premier League to decide on a timescale for implementation. "It may be December until the technology is absolutely finally approved and installed in stadia," he said at a press conference in Zurich. "Priority is given to the Fifa Club World Cup in Japan. "The Premier League need to talk to the two [technology providers] and the clubs. My understanding is that clubs are supportive and, in principle, as long as all clubs agree it could be introduced part-way through the season, it could be before the start of 2013-14 season, it could be part way through. "We have already got Hawk-Eye at Wembley, it needs to be calibrated and make sure it's working properly and licensed so we are nearly there and we could turn it on on quite quickly. "The FA Cup would be our decision and we could say for the semi-finals and finals of the FA Cup we could turn it on, I don't think that is a very controversial decision." Horne added that he felt it was "a hugely important day" for football. "We believe that it is a great day for football. From an English perspective, today is a hugely important day. It is a cause we have had on our agenda for a number of years. "This is about having the right technology helping the referee in a relatively rare occurrence." And FA chairman David Bernstein also hailed the decision, saying: "I think it is a momentous day and I'm proud to have been part of this decision-making." 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. Hawk-Eye was tested at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium in May and Fifa thanked the FA for its assistance. A Fifa spokesman said: "We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to the Football Association for their willingness to support the live match tests, a critical part of Test Phase 2 for goal-line technology." IFAB was keen to stress that technology will not be used to help referees make any other decisions. The desire to bring in goal-line technology increased after Ukraine were denied an equaliser after the ball appeared to cross the line in a 1-0 defeat by England at Euro 2012. Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo said: "We see every season, every big tournament, we need it because there are some crucial moments within those games where you could find the right solution with a bit of technology." Uefa president Michel Platini is believed to prefer the use of five match officials, something which was also approved by Fifa on Thursday. The system, which sees an extra official posted behind each goal-line to monitor action in and around the penalty box, has been on trial since 2008 and was in use during Euro 2012 as well as last season's Champions League. Football's governing body also lifted a ban on women wearing headscarves during games, clearing the way for the participation of many Islamic nations in top-flight competition. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18719396
I think that is good news, its about time we had some form of tech in football. Its the pinnacle sport in the world, yet football is the only sport without tech! The 5 man official thing is ridiculous! Im sure those guys behind the goal don't do anything at all. They never ever seem to wave for anything or give advise.....a waste of space.
Once again FIFA want to be the first to use the new system at the club world cup which is in Japan in December. I have no doubt that all Premier League clubs could have one of the two favoured systems up and running for the start of the new season, the only problem is, Sepp BLADDER wants al the attention where all his minnions will be fawning aound like flies on a cow pat. I rarely wish ill will on anyone but the sooner this oxygen thief snuffs it the bettter the game will be.
