Fifa considers technology U-turn 30/06/2010
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Sepp Blatter has revealed that Fifa will look again at using technology to help referees after a number of high-profile mistakes at the World Cup.
The clamour for cameras to be introduced has intensified after Frank Lampard’s effort in England’s last 16 game against Germany was not given despite clearly being over the line.
Fifa’s president has been a stubborn opponent of technology in football for years and appeared to rule out further discussions three months ago at the annual meeting of law-making body, the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
But he said on Tuesday (June 29): "It is obvious that after the experiences so far at this World Cup, it would be a nonsense not to reopen the file on goal-line technology."
Mexico also felt aggrieved after Argentina scored from an offside position in their last 16 game – but Blatter has ruled out using video replays to help officials with decisions, stressing that only the Hawk-Eye system used in tennis and cricket will be under consideration to tell if a ball has crossed the line for a goal.
"We will look again at technology – goal-line technology – at the business meeting of the International Football Association Board in Cardiff, Wales in July,” he added.
"The only principle we are going to bring back for discussion is goal-line technology. For situations like the Mexico game, you don't need technology."
Blatter also apologised to the English and Mexican FAs for the mistakes.
Meanwhile, the man behind Hawk-Eye claims the technology is 100 per cent accurate and so cost-effective that he would install it in every Premier League ground free of charge.
Paul Hawkins, managing director of Hawk-Eye Innovations, said the spin-off from sponsorship would more than cover the cost of installing and running the system.
The cost of installation would be between £125,000 and £250,000 per ground but Hawkins said: "We would install it free of charge in every Premier League ground if we could have the rights to sell the sponsorship.
"That just highlights that it is commercially viable and that the cost would not be an issue.
"For example in tennis, Rolex pays to the All England Club a lot more than the All England Club pay to us."
Blatter has suggested in the past that "cameras can't see everything" but Hawkins added: "It's 100 per cent accurate. Hawk-Eye has been independently tested by the Premier League and the International FA Board, and shown to work in all instances tested.
"There are parallels with tennis, which was 50/50 about technology until the 2004 US Open.
"That was a real catalyst for change so maybe this [Lampard’s shot against Germany] will be the same for football. Obviously we hope so.
"I'm not cracking open the champagne yet though. The issue now is whether Fifa are really serious about having a proper look at this and a discussion about goal-line technology or whether they are just trying to defuse the situation until after the World Cup and then block it again."
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