The German Football League (DFL) "will not engage in talks" about the implementation of goal-line technology before the start of the new Bundesliga season, according to the HAMBURGER ABENDBLATT. A DFL spokesperson said, "There has neither been a decision made, nor does a secret plan exist. The league board will discuss this topic during its next scheduled meeting in September." This statement contradicts a "Bild am Sonntag" article, which reported that the DFL "has already agreed to use the GoalRef technology" instead of the Hawk-Eye technology known from tennis (HAMBURGER ABENDBLATT, 7/8). In Berlin, Marc Schmidt reported that the DFL has already "made a decision in favor of the GoalRef technology, which was developed by the Frauenhofer-Institut and is less expensive than the Hawk-Eye." The installation of the GoalRef technology will cost an estimated €125,000 ($158,000) per stadium. Bayer Leverkusen Exec Dir Wolfgang Holzhäuser has already proposed an idea on how the league can avoid the question of financing. He said, "Because of the new TV deal, which starts with the '13-14 season, the league will receive more money. This money should be used to finance the installation of goal-line technology and not disappear in the pockets of players and advisers." Starting in '13 the league will get an additional €15M ($18M) in revenue, and this number will continue to rise in the years to come (BILD, 7/7).
