Goal-line technology systems set for green light

Goal-line technology [Photo: BBC]

Goal-line technology is set to get the go-ahead when the International Football Association Board (IFAB) vote on Thursday over whether to use it.

The results of testing will be heard before IFAB are expected to approve the Hawk-Eye and the GoalRef systems.

The Premier League and Football Association can then introduce the technology into their competitions.

FA chairman David Bernstein and general secretary Alex Horne have travelled to Zurich to take part in the vote.

The English FA and their Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland counterparts each has a single vote, while Fifa - world football's governing body - has four.

Any law change needs at least six of the eight votes.

BBC Sport's Richard Conway, who is in Zurich for the vote, said: "The likelihood will be that the Fifa World Club Cup in Japan in December will be the first to feature any new technology but the Premier League is keen to adopt it too.

"Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore spoke in May about how the start of the 2012-13 season may come too soon. But he did raise the prospect of introducing it mid-season."

The desire to bring in goal-line technology increased after Ukraine were denied an equaliser after the ball appeared to cross the line in a 1-0 defeat by England at Euro 2012.

That incident led to Fifa president Sepp Blatter adding his support to calls to bring in technology to help in such decisions.

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo said: "We see every season, every big tournament, we need it because there are some crucial moments within those games where you could find the right solution with a bit of technology.

Uefa president Michel Platini is believed to favour the use of five match officials and the IFAB will also examine whether that strategy has been a success.

They are also set to rule on whether special headscarves can be worn during matches after pressure from some Muslim countries.

-BBCSPORT