By Andrew Warshaw
May 4 – The introduction of goal-line technology, the debate over which burst into the spotlight again last weekend, has edged a step closer with FIFA announcing a two-stage testing programme for determining whether the ball is over the line.
Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur were furious when a goal conceded against Chelsea last Saturday – shown across the world – was allowed to stand when the whole of the ball did not cross the line.
Despite continual global pressure, FIFA have consistently baulked at finally giving the green light to scientific methods to helping referees.
But now, a vital concession has been made.
Companies interested having their systems used will need to demonstrate 90 percent accuracy to get through the first phase, and a 100 per cent success rate in the second phase.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter changed his stance last year after Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal for England against Germany in the World Cup and now appears to accept the need for goal-line technology – provided the system used is completely reliable.
Lampard was also at the centre of the latest controversy when TV pictures showed his long-range speculative effort for Chelsea was not completely over the line despite a blunder by visiting keeper Heurelio Gomes.
Companies now have until June 3 to register their interest with FIFA, who have agreed to share the costing of the testing.
For each test, an immediate signal that the ball has crossed the line must be sent to a referee’s watch.
Those that successfully pass phase one of the process – which will take place between September and December – will be subjected to more rigorous testing between March and June next year.
The International FA Board, the game’s law-making body, will then be presented with the results at a decisive meeting in July, 2012 with potential implementation the following season.
FIFA said in a statement: “A higher volume of tests will be conducted to ensure a more precise evaluation of the fitness of a technology and to provide a full statistical analysis.
“This will include more simulated match scenarios as well as other factors including: software reliability; transmission signal quality; performance under changing weather conditions as well as on different pitch surfaces.”
Although technology has seen several false dawns, FIFA’s statement suggested the system ultimately chosen could be in place for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The second phase will be carried out in “different lighting conditions as per the FIFA requirements for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil”.
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