FIFA approve goal-line technology for World Cup

FIFA have decided to use goal-line technology (GLT) in the 2013 Confederations Cup and World Cup 2014.

FIFA have decided to use goal-line technology (GLT) in the 2013 Confederations Cup and World Cup 2014.

After what the footballing governing body deemed to be a successful trial at the Club World Cup in December last year, GLT will be used at the upcoming international tournament being held in Brazil this year.

Subsequently, GLT will be used at the World Cup in the South American nation, and it is safe to assume that if the two tournaments see the technology implemented successfully then they will be used in future competitions as well.

“The aim is to use GLT in order to support the match officials and to install a system in all stadia, pending the successful installation, and pre-match referee tests,” a statement released by FIFA on Tuesday read.

“With different technologies on the market, FIFA has launched a tender today, setting out the technical requirements for the two forthcoming competitions in Brazil.

“The two GLT providers already licensed under FIFA’s Quality Programme for GLT, and other GLT providers currently in the licensing process (that must have passed all relevant tests as of today) are invited to submit tenders.

“Interested GLT companies will be invited to join an inspection visit to the Confederations Cup venues, currently scheduled for mid-March, with a final decision due to be confirmed in early April.”

UEFA president Michel Platini is unlikely to follow the road being trodden by FIFA as he is adamantly against its implementation, which means the likes of the Champions League and the Europa League will not be graced by GLT any time soon.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter used to be against the idea of GLT, but he began to embrace such a prospect after witnessing England midfielder Frank Lampard’s shot clearly go over the line but was not given as the linesman believed the ball had remained in play during a match against Germany in the 2010 World Cup.