Goal-line technology a chance for World Cup

Posted July 28, 2011 10:00:29

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said goal-line technology could be in use for the 2014 World Cup if a system is proved to be reliable and affordable.

There has been a huge push for football to follow sports such as cricket and tennis in embracing technological help for officials with the argument brought into sharp focus by England having a clear goal ruled out against Germany at the last World Cup despite replays having shown that the ball had crossed the line.

"In March next year, we will have a final decision on goal-line technology. If it's proved to be accurate and affordable, it's possible that the international board will adopt this technology during the 2014 World Cup," Blatter told a news conference.

"If this is the case then other football associations will have the right to use the goal-line technology."

FIFA will also decide in 2012 whether or not to have two extra officials behind the goal-line as a "general rule".

"It is not yet decided if the assistance of two additional assistant referees will be included a general rule," said Blatter.

"This will be done by an international board meeting in London that will take place immediately after the 2012 European Championships. Then, in July, we will have an indication how World Cup refereeing will be done in 2014."

Meanwhile, the dates for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil have been confirmed for between June 12 and July 13, with FIFA insisting the country will be ready to host the sport's greatest tournament.

The opening game of the tournament will be decided in October.

Five-time champions Brazil will host the tournament for the second time after 1950, when they lost the final at the Maracana stadium to neighbouring Uruguay.

The last South American hosts were Argentina in 1978.

FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke also confirmed that the Confederations Cup would be held in Brazil between June 15 and June 30, 2013.

The preliminary World Cup draw takes place on Saturday in Rio.

There have been concerns over the progress of construction of the stadiums being used for the competition, but Blatter insisted the country of 190 million will be ready.

Valcke likened the build-up to the finals to similar doubts that were expressed over South Africa's readiness to stage the 2010 event.

"In Brazil we have the same concerns with South Africa and in the end you saw how it went. The World Cup will take place in Brazil, it will be great and they are working to be the best World Cup," said Valcke.

"Brazil is not ready for the World Cup tomorrow morning, as was the case in South Africa two years before the World Cup. We know most of the stadiums should be ready for the World Cup, the latest for late 2013."

AFP

Topics: soccer, sport, brazil

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-07-28/goal-line-technology-a-chance-for-world-cup/2813890

us canada australia politics bush