Sepp Blatter, FIFA chief, wants goal-line technology

FIFA has committed to using goal-line technology at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and could have four systems competing for selection.

FIFA says it’s now seeking tenders from companies that want their system to be used at the Confederations Cup in June and next year’s World Cup.

“Interested GLT companies will be invited to join an inspection visit to the Confederations Cup venues, currently scheduled for mid-March, with a final decision due to be confirmed in early April,” FIFA said in a statement.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter insisted on giving World Cup referees high-tech aids to rule on disputed goal-line incidents after seeing England midfielder Frank Lampard have a clear goal denied against Germany at the 2010 tournament.

The English Premier League also said on Tuesday plans are on course to introduce goal-line technology by the start of the new season in August.

The decision by FIFA was expected once its rule-making panel, known as IFAB, decided last July to approve goal-line technology at competitive matches after two systems passed extensive tests.

The camera-based Hawk-Eye system and GoalRef, which uses magnetic sensors, were used at the Club World Cup in Japan in December.

Those two systems were expected to compete for World Cup duty, though two competitors are making late entries in the contest.

FIFA said two German systems have completed tests and could soon be approved for use. The companies are not being formally identified until licensing is approved.

Hawk-Eye is already used in tennis and cricket. The English company was bought by Sony, a World Cup sponsor, during the testing process.

GoalRef uses magnetic sensors in the goalposts to track an “intelligent” ball, made by Danish company Select.

Both systems relay information within one second to the referee’s wristwatch.