ENGLAND’S FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION has reiterated the hope that goal-line technology will be introduced.
Controversy reigned once more during Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final between Tottenham and Chelsea when referee Martin Atkinson ruled that Juan Mata’s strike had crossed the line. But TV replays showed the ball clearly had not, much to the fury of Spurs players and manager Harry Redknapp.
The FA have now issued a plea for the technology to be brought in and will wait for a decision from the International Football Association Board in July to see if it will be introduced. An FA statement read: “The FA has led the calls at IFAB (International Football Association Board) for the introduction of Goal Line Technology for over a decade, and we reiterate our desire to see it introduced as soon as possible.
“No other single body has called as strongly for its introduction as The FA. The FA is not responsible for the introduction of Goal Line Technology in isolation and awaits the outcome of the next IFAB meeting on July 2.”
The organisation also admitted they were ‘heartened’ to hear goal-line technology is in its final test stages as they look to improve the much-maligned decision making across the country.
“The FA has been consistent supporters of the introduction of goal-line technology for over a decade,” an FA spokesman told Sky Sports. ”We are heartened that we are now in the final stages of testing with IFAB due to take a final decision on July 2.”
