Premier League chief pushes for goal-line technology after contentious FA Cup semi-final

By Andrew Warshaw

April 19 – English Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has reiterated his support for goal-line technology in the wake of Juan Mata’s controversial goal for Chelsea in last Sunday’s (April 15) FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Scudamore says the game badly needs scientific aids for referees to ensure fairness for both sides – especially in such important games.

“I hope to see some goal-line technology or a wider use of technology to help officials because it’s football’s toughest job,” Scudamore said.

“They do a great job but there are things we must be able to help them with and we should be doing that.”

Speaking on the 20th anniversary of the Premier League, Scudamore (pictured below) cited developing local talent as one of the key challenges ahead but is confident the Premier League can remain out in front.

“The challenges remain the same – keeping the talent here in this country,” he told the BBC.

“My plea to the clubs is carry on doing what you’ve done – I never have to apologise for them investing their money into playing talent because that’s the bit from which everything else flows.

“In any given season, as long as there’s competition at the top, for those European places and relegation – you end up, as we inevitably will do this season, with very few games in the last two weekends where there is nothing to play for.

“In fairness the clubs have always stepped up and played their full part right until the end.

“That’s what keeps us ahead of the curve compared with many other leagues – we always have something going on and an integrity to the competition – driven by the fact there is so many battles going on all over.

“If you can create those mini-competitions within it, it’s good for everybody.”

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