FIFA to test goal-line technologies

FIFA, the international governing body that rules football (soccer) today said it will study the results from 10 different goal-line technology systems being tested to help referees make decisions.

Goal-line technology has long been resisted by FIFA and in particular by its current president Sepp Blatter, who has taken the tradionalist’s approach that human error is part of the game. But after the most recent World Cup controversy involving a goal for England against Germany that was clearly across the goal line but not credited, Blattner said the organization would re-examine the issue.

Among the technologies expected to be reviewed are the camera-based Hawk-Eye system used in tennis tournaments and a system consisting of sensors placed around the goal and an IC within the ball; if the ball crosses over the goal line a secure message is beamed out to the referee.