Goal line technology to be tried next week in Japan

01 December, 2012

The goal line technology, which has been called upon by many coaches, players, and football experts, finally seems to have seen the light of the day as FIFA is going to test the technology in the upcoming World Club Cup tournament, next week in Japan.

HOW MANY times have we heard football commentators saying, 'the ball had gone in, but the referee did not see it', as goal-line technologies are not used in a football pitch resulting in players arguments with referee, thus bringing the sport to disrepute with heated arguments.

Sometimes, players run to the linesman and give a mouthful only to be withdrawn by his team mates after shown the yellow card. These kind of circumstances can be avoided if the GLT (goal line technology) is introduced in the game.

FIFA is aware of the need for such kind of technology, hence they have given licenses to UK-based but Sony-owned Hawk-Eye, and Germany's GoalRef to come up with a technology to avoid such tough time to referees and also be fair to the team that has actually scored the goal. FIFA is eager to use the goal-line technology in the upcoming 2014 World Cup, Brazil. As a result of which, FIFA wants to check out both the technologies of Sony-owned Hawk-Eye, and Germany's GoalRef in the World Club Cup tournament, which is scheduled for next week, then FIFA would choose either of them.

Lauren Reader for Sony Europe spoke about the technology and told AFP video, “The hawk-eye system uses camera in the top of the stadium on the roof, 7 cameras per goal. These camera tracks the ball in the goal area. As soon as the ball crosses the line, the signal is sent to the referees. It is very simple system similar to the ones used in tennis.” Sony would be expecting to have a better technology than their rivals Germany's GoalRef for the 2014 World cup goal-line technology.

So, if this technology turns out to be successful in providing accurate results for goals, which has crossed the goal-line or not – not visible with the naked eye, it is going to be a step forward in the beautiful game and can also be gradually used in other competitions around the world as well.