So, has FIFA backed or not backed goal-line technology for the 2014 World Cup?

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I sure hope so!

Jack Beresford:

The International FA Board has approved goal-line technology in principle, with the first system potentially in practice by the end of this year.

According to reports, British company Hawk-Eye and GoalRef, a German-Danish firm, have won approval to go-ahead with a series of experiments before any definitive decision is given at a special IFAB meeting scheduled for after the European Championships.

However FA general secretary Alex Horne said it was unlikely to install technology in time for the new Premier League season, making a start date likely to be around the 2013-2014 season.

Despite this, the technology will remain optional in many of the world’s top leagues. If approved though, FIFA could use the technology during the Club World Cup in Japan this December.

Commenting on the news, Mr Horne said: “This is an important step forward.”

“But the reality is that asking 20 clubs to put something in place in five weeks, all tested and calibrated, is unlikely, and the Premier League would probably not want to introduce it midway through the competition.

“It must be accurate. We have to test it to destruction. But we expect, following the final tests, we will pass it into law on July 2.”

The Hawk-Eye system is camera-based while GoalRef utilises magnetic field technology to send signals to the referee after the ball crosses the line.