Premier League chiefs are making noises that the world’s richest club competition will have goal-line technology in place in just over a year’s time. Last year’s tidal wave of anger sent to FIFA, following England’s exit from the World Cup, looks to have brought on a sea of change as far as goal line technology is concerned.
In a document given to British legislators, Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore wrote, “The whole point of the game is about scoring goals. Players strain every sinew to either create or deny them, fans shout themselves hoarse exhorting their teams to score them, managers’ and players’ careers can be defined by them.
“The technology is available, it is the fairness that is important and the Premier League would introduce it tomorrow if it could. Now Fifa is constructively engaged we are hopeful the 2012-13 season is a realistic aim.”
Those at the Premier League are happy that Hawk-Eye technology widely used in cricket and tennis is of a sufficient standard that it can be implemented in the Premier League with immediate effect. FIFA trialed nine systems earlier this year and found that none of them were of the standard deemed acceptable. Hawk-Eye, who didn’t take part in the trial, has since been bought by Sony and is in pole position.
Sepp Blatter hopes to have a system in place on an international basis by the next World Cup in Brazil in 2014. There’s still some way to go. To receive such a ringing endorsement from the Premier League could mean that Hawk-Eye can become the choice of not only England but FIFA as well.
