FA Chair Greg Dyke said it is "inevitable" that further technology will be introduced to help referees, predicting video reviews would be utilized for fouls and other close calls, according to Owen Gibson of the London GUARDIAN. FIFA has allowed the introduction of only goal-line technology, "drawing a distinction between its discrete use in that scenario and the more contentious introduction of video replays to help decide on other difficult decisions." But Dyke said that he "believed it was inevitable that it would end up being introduced to help with close calls such as penalty claims." Dyke: "When we look back in 25 years' time we'll say this was only the beginning. It's inevitable there will be more use of video technology to help referees. The thing you're always going to play off is how much does it slow up the game, how much does it spoil the game and all the rest of it." Dyke said that "it was unlikely that any further technology would be introduced in the next two to three years while the goalline system, which will be used in the Premier League and at Wembley, beds in" (GUARDIAN, 8/10).
GOAL LINE DEBUT: The AP reported that goal-line technology made its debut Sunday in the Community Shield match between ManU and Wigan at Wembley, but "what was missing in the game was a disputed goal." It "would have been the first time in English football history when the referee could defer to goal-line technology with Hawk-Eye's 14 cameras in the ground following FIFA approval" (AP, 8/11).