The long-awaited Goal Line Technology (GLT) is to be implemented by FIFA at the at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan, which begins tomorrow, though only one of the two technologies debuted is set to be used long-term.
Its “a kind of revolution” said FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke on the FIFA website.
GLT is being implemented following controversy at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, when Frank Lampard’s shot crossed the line in a match against Germany but England was ruled out.
FIFA will be making use of two technologies: the United Kingdom-based Hawk-Eye and the German GoalRef, which will be used in tomorrow’s match when Sanfrecce Hiroshima takes on Auckland City. Only one will be chosen as the long-term option, however.
HumanIPO reported in October that the Confederations of African Football (CAF) had rejected GLT because they were waiting upon FIFA to evaluate the technology. CAF’s secretary general Hicham El Amrani said “it’s too late for next year’s tournament considering that it is starting in less than 80 days’ time.”
Of the first implementation of the technology, Valcke said: “It’s a big day. Tomorrow will be the first time that goal-line technology will be officially used in a game. The tests are done and the installation tests were successful.
“This is also an important day for us because we will use one of the two systems we are using here in the FIFA Confederations Cup next year.”
Valcke further explained that technology such as GLT will be “restricted to goal-line specifically”. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) will be there to ensure the 17 laws of the game are adhered to.
“The referee has the final decision. The technology won’t change the speed, value or spirit of the game,” ensures Valcke, who further said further that “there is no reason to be against this technology.”
