FIFA again rule out use of goal-line technology

FIFA have again ruled out the possibility of introducing goal-line technology in football following a day of controversial refereeing decisions at the World Cup.

Frank Lampard’s long-range strike during England’s clash with Germany bounced over the line after hitting the crossbar but the goal was not given by Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda.

Then, in Sunday evening’s match, Carlos Tevez nodded in Argentina’s opener against Mexico from a clearly offside position. The goal stood, however after the video replay was accidentally shown inside the stadium, it was clear the Manchester City striker was ahead of play.

The linesman, having seen the replay on the big screen highlight their obvious mistake, could not go back on his decision.

On Sunday evening Jerome Valcke, FIFA’s general secretary, dismissed the widespread calls for the use of video technology, saying it was “definitely not on the table.”

“We can talk about refereeing decisions which, when you looked at them after the game, you could say were perhaps not good decisions,” Valcke told a press conference in Johannesburg.

“We didn’t say you could have a zero-fault system in the World Cup. Additional assistants [referees] could happen in 2014 to make sure these kind of things are not happening in refereeing.

“It doesn’t mean the use of video, that is definitely not on the table today, but one thing we are discussing is two additional assistants to support referees to make decision-making easier and to have more eyes helping him to make such decisions.

“We knew this is where criticism would come.”

Valcke also went on to suggest that FIFA would be investigating Adidas’ Jabulani World Cup ball which has caused controversy in South Africa.

“We’re not deaf,” added Valcke. “FIFA is not unreceptive about what has been said about the ball.”