FIFA promise "definitive decision" on goal-line technology

By Andrew Warshaw

February 1 – After numerous false dawns, FIFA have finally promised a “definitive decision” on goal-line technology but not until July, almost certainly ruling out it out for the start of next season.

The item is the top subject on the March 3 agenda of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) which will also rule on whether to allow teams to make a fourth substitution during matches that go into extra-time.

The annual IFAB meeting, which promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated, also includes proposed changes to the so-called “Triple Punishment” of penalty, red card and suspension when an obvious goalscoring opportunity is denied.

In all eight proposals and amendments to the laws of the game are on the agenda.

The four British Home Associations each have one vote while FIFA has four.

All decisions must have a three-quarters majority.

Regarding goal-line technology, FIFA say a final decision will be taken at a special meeting on July 2, probably in Kiev, the day after the European Championship final.

At next month’s meeting, the Swiss-based testing institute EMPA will provide a report on the first test phase held between November and December last year involving eight hopeful companies.

The second phase is scheduled for between March and June with a final outcome in July.

Also on the March 3 IFAB agenda, as reported by insideworldfootball, is a discussion regarding women footballers wearing the hijab, with a presentation due to be made by FIFA vice-president Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan.

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