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ESPNsoccernet: Global | |
Goal-line technology is to be rubber stamped by football's law-makers after successful trials over its accuracy, according to sources on the International FA Board (IFAB).
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Exhaustive tests on the two systems, Hawk-Eye and GoalRef, are said to have been successful and will be ratified by the IFAB next week.
The news comes in the wake of another controversial moment at a major tournament, as Ukraine had a goal disallowed in a group-deciding game with England when it was shown to be over the line.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who had previously resisted calls for technology to be introduced, said it was a "necessity" after the incident but his UEFA counterpart Michel Platini is still opposed.
It was Platini's idea to deploy extra match officials near to both goals as a trial during Euro 2012. He maintains it would be a "historical mistake" if goal-line technology was introduced.
Although the tests aren't thought to have proved 100% accurate in every case, they are still thought to be valuable enough to be introduced, though the IFAB are keen to stress it will be used as an aid for referees, who will still make the final call.
Both systems are designed to send an instant message to a specially adapted watch worn by the referee and have been tested in extreme weather conditions to uncover their durability.
The IFAB carries four votes on law changes, as does FIFA, with six needed to carry it through. Even if the motion is carried it will take several months for it to be introduced to stadiums.
FIFA are targeting the Cub World Championship in December as the first time they will be used for one of their tournaments.