FIFA examining 13 technology systems to help with goal-line decisions

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

After a World Cup tournament plagued with controversial calls by match officials in June, FIFA President Sepp Blatter said the debate on the use of technology to assist match officials would be reopened.

Making good on that promise, FIFA said Monday it was studying 13 goal-line technology systems that could lead to more accurate officiating in soccer games. The association did not identify the systems under examination but said they will be further discussed by the International Football Assn. Board at its Oct. 20 meeting.

Soccer laws can be changed at the IFAB’s annual meeting, which will be held in March.

Some of the technology expected to be under consideration includes a micro-chipped ball and a camera-based system used in tennis and cricket.

Worldwide trials of a new five-referees system, which uses additional officials behind each goal, is also underway through June 2012. At that time, the IFAB could opt to approve this system, instead of technology, to help officials make more accurate calls.

-- Chuck Schilken

The Associated Press contributed to this report.