FOOTBALL: FIFA APPROVES USE OF GOAL-LINE TECHNOLOGY

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FIFA have confirmed that goal-line technology will be introduced into the world game and will be used for the first time in the FIFA Club World Cup this December. Current laws have been amended immediately, as well as the final approval of extra assistant referees behind each goal. Two systems – Hawk-Eye and GoalRef – will be used simultaneously and will be tested in each stadium before it’s use. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) voted unanimously to allow the technology to be used after a number of months testing it’s accuracy, so as to be fully in use ahead of the 2013 Confederations Cup and 2014 World Cup, both taking place in Brazil. FIFA’s approval only concerns tournaments it organises and controls, so UEFA would not be compelled to introduce it for the Champions League or Europa League – UEFA president, Michel Platini, has openly criticised the use of any technology in football. Concerns over its introduction were that use of technology would spread to other parts of the game, but IFAB members assured journalists at the unveiling press conference that this would not be a danger. The systems reportedly unlikely to be ready until December, but FA members claimed that it could be introduced during the coming Premier League season.