By Andrew Warshaw
July 9 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter believes his counterpart at UEFA, Michel Platini, will finally see the light and embrace goal-line technology.
Last week, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the game’s lawmakers, approved the introduction of technology but Platini (pictured above, left) remains fiercely opposed to the landmark ruling.
Blatter (pictured above, right) is confident the Frenchman will change his mind.
“He is more afraid that once technology comes in it will go from the goal-line towards the penalty box or whatever,” said Blatter.
“But I am sure with this unanimous decision of the international board that he will follow.
“He cannot go against history and this is new history.
“I am sure he is smart enough to realise that something has happened in football.”
Blatter assured Platini and other doubters that there would be no move to introduce video replays or other technology to rule on other decisions such as offsides, fouls or diving.
“Other than the goal-line technology, football must preserve its human face,” he told the BBC.
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734850008labto1734850008ofdlr1734850008owedi1734850008sni@w1734850008ahsra1734850008w.wer1734850008dna1734850008
Related stories
July 2012: IFAB approves goal-line technology
July 2012: Exclusive – IFAB look set to give goal-line technology the green light
July 2012: Postpone goal-line technology decision, urges UEFA
June 2012: Dević’s disallowed goal was an “unfortunate mistake”, says Collina
June 2012: Goal-line technology is no longer an alternative but a necessity, insists Blatter