Fifa president Sepp Blatter expects goal-line technology to be in use within a year but has ruled out video replays for disputed decisions while he is in charge.
The technology will involve either balls with a microchip or a behind-the-goal camera linked to a computer and should be in use by the Club World Cup in Japan in December 2007.
”Next year we will conduct experiments in youth competitions [in Canada and South Korea],” he told reporters at the Soccerex conference.
”I am sure that at the end of 2007 when we play the Club World Cup then we will have goal-line technology.
”But we will not have video technology and stop the game. It would take away the spontaneity and fascination of our game; we must keep football with a human face.
”As long I am president, it will only be goal-line technology.”
The English Premier League has led calls for Fifa to consider using video technology following a spate of contentious refereeing decisions in recent months.
The Football Association has tried various initiatives to increase respect for the referee, but the criticism shows no signs of decreasing
The Club World Cup features the six continental champions. This year’s event includes European champions Barcelona and South American champions Internacional. — AFP
