FIFA chooses GoalControl for goal-line technology
GoalControl will also be used for the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 "provided that the performance of the system during this year's Festival of Champions meets all necessary FIFA requirements".FIFA approved the use of technology to see if a ball has crossed the goal-line last year following a number of controversial incidents. Hawk-Eye, known well in the UK for its use in cricket and tennis, was overlooked.
"The Germany-based company, which uses 14 high-speed cameras around the pitch as part of its GoalControl-4D system, was selected ahead of the three other FIFA-licensed GLT providers who participated in the tender," FIFA said in a statement.
"While all four companies had previously met the stringent technical requirements of the FIFA Quality Programme, the final decision was based on criteria relating more specifically to the tournaments in Brazil, including the company's ability to adapt to local conditions and the compatibility of each GLT system in relation to FIFA match operations."
The 14 cameras combine to track the ball in from all dimensions and angles. When the ball crosses the line in full, a message is sent direct to the referee's watch in under a second, confirming that a goal can be awarded. The technology means that standard goalposts and balls can be used in the grounds - only the cameras are necessary for the system to work.
FIFA said the use of GoalControl-4D in Brazil was subject to a final installation test at each stadium.
Goal-line technology was used at the Club World Cup in Japan at the end of last year.
A separate tender is being made for the right to provide goal-line technology in the Premier League - at all 20 top-flight grounds and Wembley Stadium - and could come later in the month.
