Goalline technology gets the go-ahead

Fifa president Sepp Blatter paved the way for goalline technology to be introduced in the Premier League from as early as next season at a press conference ahead of the draw for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Provided that the International Football Association Board (the game’s lawmakers, a committee comprised of the English, Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish FA’s and Fifa) can be presented with an "accurate and affordable" system at their next meeting in March, leagues would be able to trial it from 1st July 2012.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore last week said he wanted the use of goalline technology in the Premier League in the 2012-13 season, and providing the technology can be perfected in time it appears as though he will get his wish.

Mr Blatter’s position on goalline technology changed completely in light of Frank Lampard’s "goal" against Germany at the World Cup in 2010. Prior to this he had been implacably opposed to any technology, and had backed the introduction of the fourth and fifth officials that were trialled in the Europa League.

"It is possible the International Board will decide that it will be introduced at the World Cup in 2014 and, if this is the case, other national associations and leagues will have the right to use it. This can be a new approach for the World Cup in 2014 to help the referee," he said.

The FSF back goalline technology, provided that the results are instantaneous and don’t rely on a break in the game to watch replays. The majority of our members and visitors to our site agree; in the aftermath of the World Cup, a poll on our site showed 76% of fans would back goalline technology.

Were those views skewed by a sense of injustice at England’s World Cup debacle? We’ve re-opened the vote on our Facebook page, and would like to know your opinions and comments.

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