FIFA details goal line system roll-out for Club World Cup

Two different goal line technology (GLT) systems – Hawk-Eye and GoalRef – are to be used in the eight-match FIFA Club World Cup, which gets underway tomorrow (6 December) in Japan. Deployment of the systems will commence with a match between Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Auckland City.

Although hailing the new technology as “a kind of revolution” for the game, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke insisted that it would not change its “speed, value or spirit”. Moreover, referees during the Club World Cup would have the final word about using, or overruling the verdicts of, the GLT systems.

Valcke revealed that it was costing FIFA $1 million to operate the two GLTs during the Club World Cup, and admitted that at present it is still “a bit expensive” for clubs to install this technology. However, he encouraged critics of the scheme to remember that expenses related to new technology implementation generally decline over time: “Ten years ago a screen or a flat screen cost a fortune. Today, you can find it for $500.”

Although this week’s events are clearly significant for the future of decision-making in the game, individual associations will still be able to choose whether or not they wish to use the technology in their competitions.