FIFA Authorises Goal-Line Technology

Two goal-line technology systems have been licensed for worldwide use by, football’s world governing body FIFA.

The approval means that Hawkeye and GoalRef can now provide their products to leagues and competitions.

“This milestone means that the companies now have authorisation to install their technology systems worldwide” said a Fifa spokesman.

Goal-line technology is due to be used for the first time in December at the Fifa Club World Cup.

But both systems will still need to pass one final hurdle before they can be used in that competition, where Champions League winners Chelsea have been given a bye to the semi-finals.

“Once a system has been installed in a stadium, the system undergoes a final inspection to check its functionality” said the spokesman for Fifa.

“This is carried out by an independent test institute, and the results of this so-called ‘final installation test’ must be successful.

“Only a positive final installation test qualifies a system to be used in official matches.”

Goal-line technology was adopted into football’s rule-book in July this year by the game’s law-makers, the International Football Association Board (IFAB).