Goal-line technology could be a reality by 2012, hopes Scudamore

By Andrew Warshaw

July 20 – Goal-line technology could be introduced in the Premier League at the start of the 2012-13 season according to chief executive Richard Scudamore – but only if approved by FIFA.

Scudamore is satisfied that the Hawk-Eye ball-tracking system used in tennis and cricket could be deployed in football but English football is unlikely to introduce any system unilaterally.

No decision on high-tech aids for referees can happen until FIFA’s rule-making body, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), meets to assess results from new trials in July 2012 – weeks before the season starts in most major European leagues.

Scudamore is nevertheless hopeful.

“The whole point of the game is about scoring goals,” he wrote in a document being sent to British MPs.

“Players strain every sinew to either create or deny them, fans shout themselves hoarse exhorting their teams to score them, managers’ and players’ careers can be defined by them.

“The technology is available, it is the fairness that is important and the Premier League would introduce it tomorrow if it could.

“Now FIFA is constructively engaged we are hopeful the 2012-13 season is a realistic aim.”

FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who used to be opposed to technology, has stated publicly he would like it in place by the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Blatter’s U-turn was prompted by Frank Lampard’s “goal-that-wasn’t” for England against Germany at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

Nine different systems were tested just before the most recent IFAB meeting in March but were not considered sufficiently accurate.

Significantly, Hawk-Eye, since bought by Sony, did not take part in those trials but is likely to be involved in the next series of trials.

Scudamore, whose comments were quoted by the Guardian newspaper, will find himself strongly opposed by UEFA President Michel Platini who continues to favour the alternative system of two additional referees’ assistants – almost certainly employed at next year’s European Championship finals.

In his letter to MPs, Scudamore also defended the state of the game in England following the 2018 World Cup vote debacle and disagreements within the FA hierarchy.

“Some would have it that football in England is somehow broken, irreparably damaged and in need of saving,” he said.

“That is an analysis of the game to which I cannot subscribe.

“Clearly, and by its own admission, the FA needs to address some structural issues that are no secret, as well as create a focus that means they can improve in their key areas of responsibility – the national teams, coach development and grassroots investment.

“However, the Premier League is a crucial part of the association of interests that engage and we have a duty to constructively engage with and support the processes already under way aimed at creating an organisation that can represent the best of English football at every level.”

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