Tuesday 29 June 2010

PM and goal-line technology firms dispute Fifa claims



By Daniel Emery
Technology reporter, BBC News

The prime minister has backed calls for video and goal-line technology (GLT) to be used in football matches.

David Cameron's call echoes that made by makers of ball-tracking systems, along with a number of managers.

"I'm a keen follower of cricket and tennis and I think the third umpire has been a great thing... that's something football could now have a look at," said Mr Cameron.

Fifa has consistently refused to entertain the idea of using GLT.

Manufacturers of ball-tracking systems say England's disallowed World Cup goal just emphasised an ongoing problem with the sport.

Hawk-Eye and Cairos, which make rival GLT systems, say Fifa needs to rethink its current position.

"We are using technology that is 100% accurate and adds fairness to the game," Christian Holzer of Cairos told BBC News.

"Technology should not enter into the game. It was a clear statement made by the majority of the IFAB (International Football Association Board)," said Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke in March.

But not everyone agrees. There have been calls from players, managers and coaches for a number of years, prompted by a series of controversial refereeing decisions.

British based Hawk-Eye, which uses a camera detection system, and German firm Cairos, which utilises chip technology inside the ball, both say that new technology would assist referees and make their job easier.

"The decision was unfair to the English team. Had it gone 2-2 at half-time, it would have been a very different match," said Mr Holzer.

The issue of GLT has dogged Fifa for more than a decade.

The rules of football are determined by IFAB, which consists of eight voting members. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have one vote, with "the rest of the world" (ie the Fifa executive) holding the remaining four.

Posted by Joe Martin providing business services for small businesses and the self employed. Find me at joemartin.co.uk

No comments:

Post a Comment