14 World Cup to Implement Goal Line Technology

Earlier today, after much debate and teeth pulling, FIFA approved the use of goal line technology during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, as well as in the upcoming Confederations Cup this June.  Goal line tech was successfully tested this past December during the Club World Cup, leading to the decision to implement the technology on the world stage.

Many saw Frank Lampard’s apparent no goal goal during the 2010 World Cup against Germany as the last straw. Lampard’s shot, shown to the right in multiple angles, clearly crossed the line for a goal, but the line ref somehow saw it differently.  The vote to allow GLT in soccer would be passed two years later on July 5th, 2012.  The Barclay’s Premiere League came out as the first league requesting the technology and will in all likelihood be deployed for the 2013/14 season.  Major League Soccer also palns on deploying GLT, but unfortunately won’t come until 2014 as well.

The two front running technologies right now are Hawk-Eye and GoalRef, both which were used during the Club World Cup successfully.  There are also two German based companies that have added their desire to have their GLT used, but Hawk-Eye, which is already used in tennis and cricket, might have an edge.  Not only has Hawk-Eye proven extremely successful in tennis and cricket, it is also now owned by Sony, which is a World Cup sponsor.

Hawk-Eye uses a high frame rate camera technology, works with any ball manufacturer, can send a result to the referee within one second and provide a television replay to prove the decision is correct.  GoalRef on the other hand mainly focuses on using magnetic sensors.  Whichever system ends up being deployed, GLT is a win win situation and a huge step for the beautiful game.  How do you feel about GLT being brought in soccer?  Send us a tweet @PSLSoccerDesk!