FIFA’s most promising technological step, The Goal Line Technology that is being used in the world cup, will soon be subjected to some modifications as reported by the supreme governing body. The decision was taken after a confusion struck during the Group E match between France and Honduras, in fact, it became the first ever game where first goal using goal line technology was awarded in the WC, and interestingly, in its first use, a need to tweak its algorithm also originated. The confusion started three minutes past half time when Karim Benzema’s shot volley against the insides of Honduras post and ball flew back to mark the score when goalie Noel Valladares stopped it. The drama ended within few seconds coz of the Brazilian referee’s decision to award a goal to France and whole stadium chanted ‘No Goal’ instantly, quickly followed by ‘Goal’ after looking the replay on the large screen. Notably, it is the first big event GoalControl, the technology shortlisted by the FIFA to be used in the World Cup, is being used in a big international event hence some blunders were well expected but it is more than good that mistakes are being highlighted in the first stage itself!
FIFA spokeswoman Delia Fischer confirmed the possible change in the backend when said, “We are working to make it more clear. We will modify so you just see the ‘goal’ decision. There were no mistakes. It all worked as planned. However we are working to modify it to make much clearer for fans inside the stadiums … and make it even clearer for viewers in front of their TV sets.”
If everything goes as planned, UEFA could soon introduced this technology as well on European front – possibly during Euro 2016 – despite Michel Platini’s persisting opposition to its use. Reportedly, 58-year-old French soccer elite has long been differing use of any technology in the game citing it would create more pressure over in-field referees and long being advocating use of an additional referee instead spending millions on a third party product. Nonetheless, what he views about it, it is very much likely we would see similar technology in the upcoming Euro event. UEFA spokesman confirmed it when said, “The president was glad to see it worked. There is a decent chance UEFA will use it at the next European Championship in 2016. It will be discussed by our referees committee and then at our executive committee meetings as well. There is no rush for us to decide but the topic has already been debated.”