Goal-line tech is rejected

ZURICH, Switzerland - The International Football Association Board has rejected the introduction of goal-line technology, sparking an angry reaction from some football managers.

The decision was made after a presentation of experiments during which cameras were placed on the goal posts and electronic chips inserted in the ball to determine if it had crossed the goal line. Hawk-Eye technology using cameras and computers is already used in tennis and cricket.

The decision was unanimous, according to an informed source.

“Concerning goal-line technology, the board concluded that goal-line technology would not be pursued,” the sport’s world governing body FIFA said in a statement Saturday.

The news brought a sharp reaction from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who said it was “beyond comprehension” that global football chiefs had maintained their opposition to goal-line technology.

“For me, it is difficult to understand, for one reason because you want as much justice as possible,” Wenger said. “I do not even think it is linked with the money factor. If you love football you want the right decisions to be made.”

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish also lashed out at the decision. McLeish’s team appeared to have been denied a legitimate goal in their FA Cup quarter-finals 2-0 defeat by Portsmouth earlier Saturday, a goal that would surely have stood if replays had been available to match officials.

AFP