Sepp Blatter: I've always been behind goal-line technology

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

August 11 – Sepp Blatter claimed today that his view on goal-line technology had never changed and that he is behind calls for its introduction as long as the right system can be developed.

The FIFA President promised today that the subject would be discussed at the next International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting in October, where a number of companies will be given the opportunity to present their proposals.

“At this meeting [in October], we will bring the point of goal-line technology,” said Blatter in Singapore, where he is attending the inaugural Summer Youth Olympic Games.

“It is now on the agenda.”

The controversy over Frank Lampard’s shot that crossed the line against Germany in the World Cup but was not given by the referee has ensured that the subject will not disappear in the near future.

“My personal opinion on goal technology has never changed,” said Blatter.

“I have said 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.”

Blatter revealed that a number of international companies claim to have now come up with a solution to the problem.

“The Cairos-Adidas system said they will have something more simple and the Italian group presented by the Italian FA said they now have a system which is absolutely accurate,” he said.

“We have the Hawk-Eye again and then a Swiss watch company Longines, they said we have something that will beat everything so in this meeting all of these people can come and present their different items.”

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