Fifa set to reject new calls for goal-line technology
FIFA will stand firm and reject calls to introduce goal-line technology despite Frank Lampard’s disallowed strike in Bloemfontein.
President Sepp Blatter was at the Free State Stadium to see Lampard’s 20-yard shot clearly cannon off the underside of the crossbar and over the line with the match delicately poised at 2-1.
Fifa ruled out using goal-line technology at the International FA board meeting in March in favour of experimenting with two assistant referees.
Sports Minister Hugh Robertson last night called on Fifa to change its stance, while also challenging the Football Association to conduct an inquest into England’s poor performance in South Africa.
“This was a disappointing end to a tournament in which England hardly ever performed,” Robertson said. “Once the dust has settled, I hope the FA take a long hard look at the reasons why, and Fifa reassess their opposition to using goal-line technology.”
Fifa refused to comment after the match, saying: “Fifa will not make any comment on the decisions of the referee on the field of play.”
Blatter said at the time: “No matter which technology is applied, at the end of the day a decision will have to be taken by a human being.”