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It’s a go for goal-line tech

Comment: 0 July 29th, 2011 by: admin

SEPP Blatter had second thoughts about it but finally gave in to clamours.

The FIFA boss finally approved the use of the controversial goal-line technology in national leagues next July, a move seen to clear the issue concerning disputed calls and arguments in football.

England’s Premier League as well as the other premier tournaments in Europe are sure to benefit from FIFA’s go-ahead announcement.

Blatter had previously frowned on using the system but several high-profile incidents among them England’s loss to Germany in the last World Cup in South Africa, prompted him to reconsider his stance.

Its importance was realised after Frank Lampard of England made a legitimate goal that was ruled out against Germany. The confusion that surrounded it embarrassed FIFA, and Blatter issued an apology for the officials’ blunder a few days later.

The FIFA chief branded the slipup as an “unforgiveable mistake’’ and this forced him to make up his mind on the debate.

Only the final decision at the meeting of the law-making International Football Association Board next March in London is being awaited before the technology is officially implemented. If it proves to be accurate and affordable, then it’s a go.

Nine companies are said to be wooing to supply the equipment to FIFA who had insisted that the new system can relay final decision to pitch officials within a second after an incident occurred.

Several systems of the goal-line technology will undergo private trials this year and it looks like the Premier League is all set to welcome it. The league’s chief executive Richard Scudamore said they are targeting the start of the 2012-13 season for it to go full blast.

Another big beneficiary of the technology would be the 2014 World Cup to be held in Brazil. However, even if the technology gets the green light, it was decided that it would not be used at Euro 2012.

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