FIFA’s President Joseph Sepp Blatter, who previously opposed introducing certain technology into the world of football, has unveiled just two goal-line technology systems. FIFA, according to Blatter “has two good systems that meet all the demands we set — reliability, immediacy and not being difficult to use.” The two unveiled systems are called “Hawk-Eye” (pictured) and “Goalminder” which are designed to reliably, conveniently and immediately assess whether or not the goals made were valid.

Many in the past have criticized matches that often incorrectly deny goals to players who validly score. Famous cases include goals that were incorrectly disregarded by officials made by Frank Lampard of Chelsea and Freddie Sears of Crystal Palace. In response to the criticism made by fans and FIFA’s criteria, seven other goal-line technology systems are being tested all over Europe so that they can be used for future matches. FIFA has stated that the systems, which have been called into question regarding their accuracy before, will be in place for the 2012-2013 season of matches. Moreover the 2014 World Cup in Brazil will also have these goal-line technology systems to avoid inaccurate officiating. Goal-line technology can come in a few different forms. The “Hawk-Eye”, developed by Dr. Paul Hawkins, uses triangulation and cameras to determine the trajectories of balls; it has been used for other sports like tennis and cricket. Hawk-Eye could be given a trial run in the Premier League. Also, “Goalminder” which uses camera systems as well has already been tested for their accuracy and will most likely be the first system, alongside Hawk-Eye, to be used for the 2012-2013 season. The concept of goal-line technology systems has been generally scoffed at by many football officials despite its potential for assisting football referees in calling goals. FIFA has historically resisted such technology as well as the idea of an instant replay and the addition of more officials to preside over matches just because it does not want football to “lose the element of human error” and that the technology could be as faulty as any human referee. While FIFA’s previously staunch and rigid president may have moved aside for the new technology, others including President Michel Platini of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) may still oppose the introduction of such technology.