Goal-line Technology To Be Discussed By IFAB

Thursday, 12th August 2010 at 05:37am

Long-time opponent of goal-line technology Sepp Blatter, president of world governing body Fifa, has revealed that the issue will be discussed at the International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting to be held in October, confirming earlier reports in July.

The Fifa supremo has often let it known that he is against the concept of technology in football but is now thought to softening his stance on the basis that a reliable system is found.

"My personal opinion on goal technology has never changed," said Blatter.

"If we have an accurate and simple system then we will implement but so far we have not had a simple nor an accurate system."

The drive for technology to be introduced into football was brought into the spotlight during the World Cup in South Africa when England's Frank Lampard had a legitimate goal ruled out in the round of 16 match against Germany despite TV replays showing the ball had landed comfortably over the line.

England were on the receiving again of a dubious decision in last night's friendly against Hungary at Wembley when Phil Jagielka's deflection was given as an own-goal to give the visitors the lead but TV replays suggested that Michael Dawson had gotten back to clear before the ball had crossed the line.

TV replays have been used very successfully in other sports for some time now, but Blatter's resistance to its implementation in football is built on a belief that it would slow down the natural flow of football.

But with such highly publicised incidents hogging the headlines, it is clearly a subject that needs addressing in the not-too-distant future.

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