Football leagues around the world will soon be able to end the debates and outcry, after FIFA approved the introduction of goal-line technology.
Football leagues around the world will soon be able to end the debates and outcry, after FIFA approved the introduction of goal-line technology.
In a move that has widespread support in the game but is still not without its critics, football-s governing body has approved two different systems – Hawk-Eye and GoalRef – which can now can now apply to become FIFA goal-line technology licensees.
The licensing process means manufacturers must undergo another battery of tests, which, if passed, means they will be authorised to install their system in partnership with a competition, club or stadium operator.
The technology is expected to be taken up by most major competitions, with the English Premier League looking at introducing it midway through season 2012/13.
Have FIFA made the right decision or should the game stay as it is? Should goal-line technology be introduced in Australia? Have your say below…
GoalRef system – magnetic field technology
The GoalRef system creates the radio equivalent of a light curtain. Low magnetic fields are produced around the goal, and as soon as the ball, which is fitted with a compact electronic device, fully crosses the line, a minor change in the magnetic field is detected, thus allowing the exact position of the ball to be established.
If a goal has been scored, an alert is transmitted to the match officials via a radio signal within one second, with a message displayed on their watches and via vibration.
Hawk-Eye system – goal-line camera technology
The Hawk-Eye system uses six to eight high-speed cameras set up at different angles at each end to calculate the exact position of the ball. The data from the cameras is then transferred to video software.
From this data, the system generates a graphic image (3D) of the ball’s trajectory. The match officials are informed of whether or not it was a goal within one second.
