By Andrew Warshaw
September 20 – Goal-line technology experts are putting the final preparations to what could be a landmark development in the move to introduce scientific aids for referees after years of debate.
Officials from two FIFA-approved systems have been in Japan for an inspection visit ahead of the Club World Cup in December when goal-line technology will be used in official competition.
Representatives from the camera-based Hawk-Eye system, widely used in tennis and cricket, and the German-Danish initiative GoalRef, which employs magnetic sensors, have visited stadiums in Toyota and Yokohama where their systems will each be used at the December 6-16 eight-club tournament.
FIFA intends to use one or both systems at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and for supporters implementation cannot come soon enough.
Ironically, the visit to Japan took place just hours after English football witnessed yet another controversial incident.
Everton were denied what appeared a clear goal against Newcastle United in a Premier League match on Monday (September 17) when the referee’s assistant did not spot that the ball had crossed the line.
“What can I do about it?” said Everton manager David Moyes.
“We all know the tools will come in eventually.”
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