Goalline technology debate resurfaces after QPR ‘goal’

The Football Association has reiterated its ‘strong desire’ to see goal-line technology introduced following QPR’s controversial disallowed goal on Saturday.

Mark Hughes’ side controversially had a goal not awarded in their Premier League match at Bolton when a Clint Hill header was ruled not to have crossed the line.

Within an hour the FA released a statement, which read: “Following last week’s meeting of IFAB (International Football Association Board), the FA would like to reiterate our strong desire to see goal-line technology introduced as soon as possible.”

“The FA has been a leading proponent of goal-line technology for many years.

“We will continue to press for its introduction once further independent testing is complete later this year, so that anyone wishing to introduce the technology is able to do so at the earliest possible opportunity.”

FIFA, football’s governing body, has so far resisted goal-line technology as well as other proposed ideas such as instant replay and adding extra officials.

However, following Frank Lampard’s disallowed goal in the 2010 World Cup, FIFA president Sepp Blatter hinted that technology could be in place in time for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The Premier League is investigating whether it is feasible to bring in goal-line technology for next season ahead of a July decision by football’s lawmakers.

The International FA Board (IFAB) has approved goal-line technology in principle and will go ahead with final tests on two systems, one from British company HawkEye and GoalRef by a German-Danish firm.

A final decision will be taken in July and even though the new season kicks off only six weeks later, Premier League sources say they will look at whether it could be possible to have a system in place.

If the time available is too short for the Premier League, the first introduction would probably be FIFA’s Club World Cup in Japan in December.