Platini still opposed to goal-line tech

UEFA president Michel Platini has restated his opposition to goal-line technology, claiming its introduction would be too expensive.

Platini believes introducing technology in competitions such as the Champions League, Europa League and the European Championship is too expensive, and he would rather invest in the grassroots and development of football than spend big on goal-line technology.

“It is not a question of goal-line technology, it is a question of technology. Where do you begin with the technology and where do you end with the technology? Technology is helpful but we have to draw the lines on certain things,” the UEFA president told reporters.

“To put goal-line technology in our competitions would cost 50 million euros in five years. I prefer to give 50 million euros to the grassroots and development in football rather than to put 50 million euros into technology for perhaps one or two goals per year. That’s a lot of money per goal.

“We supported the additional referees which are now accepted by the international board, and with the referee one metre from the line I think if he has good glasses he can see if the ball is inside the goal or outside.”

FIFA are testing goal-line technology at the 2012 Club World Cup in Japan.