FIFA Launches Goal-Line Technology In Japan As Club World Cup Gets Underway

FIFA will use goal-line technology "for the first time in Japan this week," according to Alastair Himmer of REUTERS. The technology will be employed in Thursday's Club World Cup opener between J-League club Sanfrecce Hiroshima and ASB Premiership club Auckland City as football's governing body "finally answers calls for it to join the 21st century." The widely used in cricket and tennis system Hawk-Eye and GoalRef, which "uses a microchip in the ball and low magnetic waves around the goal," will be used at venues in Toyota and Yokohama. Hawk-Eye Managing Dir Steve Carter said, "The important thing is for the technologies to perform as well as possible and there are no mistakes." Hawk-Eye and GoalRef are "front-runners for next year's Confederations Cup in Brazil," although FIFA has kept the door open for other competing companies" (REUTERS, 12/5).

OFFICIATING REVOLUTION: The PA reported FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke hailed "a kind of revolution" as the football world prepared for the introduction of goal-line technology. FIFA was "staunchly against the use of any form of technology for many years, but the winds changed in the wake of the 2010 World Cup, where England was denied a clear goal against Germany when Frank Lampard's shot crossed the line." Valcke said, "It's a big day. Tomorrow will be the first time that goal-line technology will be officially used in a game. The tests are done; and the instillation tests were successful (PA, 12/5). The AP reported that before each match, officials "will test the system is working in both goals." The referee will "continue to have full autonomy in making any final decision during the match, using goal-line technology as an additional aid" (AP, 12/5).