Goal-line technology on FIFA agenda

FIFA have taken another step towards introducing goal-line technology after announcing a test program for potential systems.

The debate about the introduction of goal-line technology was reignited last week after Chelsea were controversially awarded a goal after Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes fumbled a Frank Lampard shot.

FIFA appears determined to resolve the issue after a similar incident at the 2010 World Cup, and has begun to investigate how goal-line technology could best be implemented.

Companies are being invited to submit applications to demonstrate how they would implement goal-line technology, with any system required to prove 90 percent accuracy to pass the first phase of testing, before a 100 per cent success rate is required in a second phase.

“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,” FIFA said in a statement.

“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.”

Long-term opponents of using video or technology referrals for key decisions, FIFA reconsidered their stance after England were not awarded a legitimate goal in a World Cup second-round match against Germany in June.

During the match in the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, midfielder Frank Lampard struck a shot which crossed the line only to bounce clear.

The referee and his assistants failed to award the goal, with FIFA President Sepp Blatter watching on.

Trailing 2-1 at the time of the incident, England went on to lose the match 4-1 and exited the tournament.

The governing body again rejected the introduction of goal-line technology in February after the failure of all 10 prototypes submitted by companies for testing.