WORLD CUP NEWS THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY:FIFA HAS categorically ruled out reopening the debate about goal-line technology or video replays, preferring instead to pursue the option of having extra officials behind each goal.
A spokesman for world football’s governing body yesterday refused to answer questions on controversial incidents during Germany’s 4-1 victory over England, when Frank Lampard’s shot clearly crossed the line but the goal was not given, or Mexico’s defeat by Argentina, when Carlos Tevez scored when patently offside.
But despite the growing clamour from players, coaches and some officials for Fifa to re-examine the case for goal-line technology, it is understood it will not be considered again until at least next March.
That is when the International Football Association Board will meet in Newport. And having already ruled out experimenting with rival systems developed by Adidas and Hawk-Eye this March by a margin of 6-2, it is unlikely to be on the agenda.
Trials of goal-line technology were proposed in March by Gordon Smith of the Scottish Football Association, who was backed by the former English FA chief executive Ian Watmore. Both men have now left their roles.
But it was opposed by Northern Ireland, Wales and the Fifa president, Sepp Blatter, who appeared to be wavering on the topic in the debate that followed Thierry Henry’s handball for France against the Republic of Ireland but has since come out firmly against it.
An extra official behind each goal was trialled in the Europa League last season. Despite mixed reports, the system will be introduced to the Champions League next season and is due to be used in the 2012 European Championship.
Meanwhile Fifa is to remind local organisers not to replay controversial incidents on the big screen after replays of Argentina’s disputed first goal against Mexico fuelled arguments on the pitch.
Fifa’s spokesman Nicolas Maingot said replaying such incidents “should not happen” and would be more tightly controlled at future matches. Asked whether Fifa had become a “laughing stock” in the wake of Sunday’s incident at the Free State Stadium, Maingot refused to answer directly.
“Fifa is not working on refereeing after just one case, Fifa is working on refereeing for many years with the confederations and the national associations,” he said. “Refereeing is a global part of the game and we will continue to work on this.”
Blatter told Sky Sports News yesterday: “Tomorrow I will have a press conference.
“We are in a World Cup, we have a principle, we cannot change the principle in the World Cup.”
That could be interpreted as a hint that Blatter will be open to changes after the tournament has finished, but that would be of little consolation to those countries affected by poor decisions already.
Jonathan Ford, president of the Football Association of Wales, said: “If we introduce goal-line technology it will lead to replays and then to every decision being challenged down to a throw-in and that would change the game.”
Guardian Service
