Goal-line technology inches closer

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Sepp Blatter

Sepp Blatter has confirmed that adopting goal-line technology will formally be discussed at FIFA's International Board meeting in October.

However, the FIFA President, speaking at the Youth Olympics in Singapore, sounded a note of caution that cameras or microchips are anywhere close to introduction.

"It would be a nonsense if we did not reopen the file of technology," said Blatter. "If we have an accurate and simple system then we will implement, but so far we have not had a simple nor an accurate system."

Over the line

This claim flies in the face of Hawkeye's use in tennis for years, documentation backing Cairos, a micro-chip inserted into balls made by Adidas, FIFA's favourite manufacturer, and television replays, as used in rugby. Blatter once more dismissed video replay as a disruptive intrusion into football, insisting goal-line technology was the only possibility on the agenda.

Pressure on the the President to budge is not letting up. Blatter made reference to refereeing mistakes in the tournament he is currently attending, while later that evening Hungary were awarded a goal against England at Wembley that replays showed had not crossed the line.

(c) Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile

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