Premier League could use goal-line technology in 2012-13
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.
How does Hawk-Eye work?
Hawk-Eye's system works by using six cameras, focusing on each goal, to track the ball on the pitch.The system's software then uses "triangulation" to pinpoint the exact location of the ball.
If it crosses the goal-line an encrypted radio signal is sent to the referee's wristwatch to indicate a goal has been scored.
In line with Fifa's requirements, the whole process takes less than a second to complete.
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.
How does GoalRef work?
GoalRef uses a microchip implanted in the ball and the use of low magnetic waves around the goal.The system then detects any change in the magnetic field on or behind the goal-line to determine if a goal has been scored.
The process takes less than one second, with the result electronically relayed to the referee.
"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.
What they said on Twitter
- Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand: "Goal-line technology approved... losing the essence of the game, debate, human error etc... saying that Hawk Eye in tennis is exciting!"
- QPR midfielder Joey Barton: "Goal-line tech given green light in Zurich. At last, better late than never. Great news..."
- Former USA captain Alexi Lalas: "So we finally have goal-line technology and the Higgs boson subatomic particle. This should clear everything up."
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.
