FIFA dismiss goal-line technology

The International FA Board (IFAB) have given the thumbs down to the introduction of goal-line technology, world soccer governing body FIFA confirmed on Saturday.

The decision was taken after a presentation of experiments during which cameras were placed on the goal posts and electronic chips inserted in the ball to determine if it had crossed the goal line.

A unanimous decision was not reached by Board members on the technology, but according to a source close to the dossier, a majority came out in principle against its introduction.

“Concerning goal-line technology, the Board concluded that goal-line technology would not be pursued,” FIFA said in a statement.

A presentation was also provided on the experiment with additional assistant referees in the Europa League, after 144 matches played so far.

FIFA added that a special meeting of the Board will discuss the final analysis of the experiment, after May 12th’s Europa League final, on May 17-18.

The proposal by the Scottish Football Association (SFA) concerning the treatment of injured players from the same team who have collided on the pitch was approved and it was also approved that stretcher bearers will now only enter the pitch following the signal of the referee.

However the SFA proposal to allow players to be treated on the field of play if the injury was sustained as the result of an offence committed against him by an opponent was not approved.

The 125th Annual General Meeting will take place at Celtic Manor, Newport, Wales between March 4-6 next.