By Andrew Warshaw
April 16 – The final phase of testing for goal-line technology will begin by the end of April, according to FIFA, following yet another blatant and ultimately decisive injustice on the field of play.
The clamour for some kind of scientific aid for the officials intensified after Chelsea reached the FA Cup final with a fortuitous 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Television replays proved conclusively that Juan Mata’s shot never even got near to crossing the line for Chelsea’s second goal.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the game’s rule-making body, last month approved two scientific systems to go head to head in testing before a final decision is made on July 2, with possible implementation across major leagues for the season after next.
“The latest planning meeting for test phase two was held on Friday, and the second phase of tests will commence before the end of April, and will continue throughout May,” FIFA said in a statement.
Only once the IFAB is happy that the two systems – the camera-based Hawk-Eye method and the German-Danish company GoalRef that uses a magnetic field – are 100 per cent foolproof will technology be deployed in football for the first time, just as it is in other sports including tennis, rugby and cricket.
The game at Wembley brought the need for technology into sharp focus yet again as Chelsea, not for the first time this season, received a huge slice of good fortune from the officials.
Chelsea captain John Terry admitted the ball was not over the line and even FIFA-accredited referee Martin Atkinson apologised to Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp for his gaffe.
“It was nowhere near the line,” Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker said.
“I had a perfect view.
“Four players were covering the line, so how the ball could’ve got over the line, I don’t know.
“The linesman said he didn’t make the decision.
“The ref took it upon himself.”
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