Goal-line technology

{{See also|Scoring in association football}}

File:Ball in and out of play 2.svg

In association football, a goal is scored if the whole of the ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar. In most cases, this is relatively unambiguous (goal nets being a low-tech way of verifying that the ball passed the correct side of the goalposts). Occasionally however situations occur when it is difficult for referees and their assistants to tell if a goal has been scored before a rebound, save, or defender's clearance from the goal area.

Since 2012, goal-line technology has been permitted in matches. Text relating to goal-line technology can now be found within four of the Laws of the Game:

• Law 1 (The Field of Play): permitting modifications to the goal frame.
• Law 2 (The Ball): permitting the use of approved balls with integrated technology.
• Law 5 (The Referee): requiring the referee to test a goal-line technology system prior to a match and not use it if a fault is found.
• Law 10 (Determining the outcome of a match): permitting use of goal-line technology to verify whether or not goals have been scored. It states that "the use of GLT must be stipulated in the respective competition rules".

The Laws themselves are not specific as to the nature of goal line technology systems, however other documentation from FIFA, which is cited by the Laws, goes into more detail. The FIFA Quality Programme for GLT Testing Manual{{cite web|url=http://quality.fifa.com/en/News/Updated-goal-line-technology-testing-manual-published/|title=Updated goal-line technology testing manual published |website=FIFA Quality Programme|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150515115539/http://quality.fifa.com/en/News/Updated-goal-line-technology-testing-manual-published/|archive-date=15 May 2015}} precisely define the requirements of the systems. Four basic requirements of a system are stipulated:

• The system must address only the matter of whether a goal has been scored or not.
• The system must be accurate.
• The system must indicate the scoring of a goal immediately, confirming this within one second.
• The system must communicate its information solely to the match officials (via vibration and visual alert on the referee's watch)

FIFA have a system whereby a particular technology provider needs to show effectiveness to successfully obtain a license for their technology, then an installation within a particular stadium must pass a "final installation test" before use, and before each game the referee must check that the system is functional.{{Cite book|url=https://football-technology.fifa.com/media/1011/goal-line_technology_testing_manual_2014.pdf|chapter=TESTING MANUAL 2014 version 2.0|year=2014|publisher=FIFA.com|title=FIFA Quality Programme for Goal-Line Technology|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713172343/https://football-technology.fifa.com/media/1011/goal-line_technology_testing_manual_2014.pdf|archive-date=13 July 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://quality.fifa.com/en/Goal-Line-Technology/Become-a-licensee/Final-installation-test/|title=Final installation test – FIFA Quality Programme|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706221701/http://quality.fifa.com/en/Goal-Line-Technology/Become-a-licensee/Final-installation-test/|archive-date=6 July 2015}}

Due to the expense of goal-line technology systems, the technology is only currently used at the very top levels of the game. In domestic competition, goal-line technology is only regularly used in a few major European leagues:

• FIFA
• FIFA Club World Cup[https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/18848e4224efbd91/original/FCWC25_Regulations_EN.pdf]

• AFC
• AFC Challenge League[https://assets.the-afc.com/downloads/tournament-regulations/AFC-Challenge-League-2025-26-Competition-Regulations.pdf]
• AFC Champions League Elite[https://assets.the-afc.com/downloads/tournament-regulations/AFC-Champions-League-Elite-2025-26-Competition-Regulations.pdf]
• AFC Champions League Two[https://assets.the-afc.com/downloads/tournament-regulations/AFC-Champions-League-Two-2025-26-Competition-Regulations.pdf]
• UEFA
• UEFA Champions League{{efn|Play-offs onwards}}{{efn|Host clubs may use pre-installed and certified GLT systems during the qualifying phase, subject to UEFA’s approval and the visiting club’s consent}}{{cite web | url=https://documents.uefa.com/r/Regulations-of-the-UEFA-Champions-League-2024/25/Article-61-Video-assistant-refereeing-and-goal-line-technology-Online | title=UEFA Documents }}
• UEFA Conference League{{efn|Final only}}{{efn|Host clubs may use pre-installed and certified GLT systems during the qualifying phase and play-offs, the league phase and the knockout phase, subject to UEFA’s approval and the visiting club’s consent}}{{cite web | url=https://documents.uefa.com/r/Regulations-of-the-UEFA-Conference-League-2024/25/Article-61-Video-assistant-refereeing-and-goal-line-technology-Online | title=UEFA Documents }}
• UEFA Europa League{{efn|League stage onwards}}{{efn|Host clubs may use pre-installed and certified GLT systems in the qualifying phase and play-offs, subject to UEFA’s approval and the visiting club’s consent}}{{cite web | url=https://documents.uefa.com/r/Regulations-of-the-UEFA-Europa-League-2024/25/Article-61-Video-assistant-refereeing-and-goal-line-technology-Online | title=UEFA Documents }}
• UEFA Super Cup{{cite web | url=https://documents.uefa.com/r/Regulations-of-the-UEFA-Super-Cup-2023/Article-25-Match-equipment-Online | title=UEFA Documents }}
• UEFA Women's Champions League{{efn|optional}}{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/37637362/arsenal-boss-inconsistent-technology-use-hurts-women-champions-league | title=Arsenal boss: Inconsistent tech use hurts UWCL | date=21 March 2023 }}

• {{flagicon|England}} Premier League{{cite web|title=Premier League Handbook 2022/23|url=https://resources.premierleague.com/premierleague/document/2023/05/25/33ed7ee2-691b-4689-87a6-a895bf31581c/PL_Handbook_2022-23_DIGITAL_23.05.23.pdf|access-date=26 June 2023}}
• {{Flagicon|England}} English Football League{{cite web|title=2024/25 EFL Regulations|url=https://images.gc.eflservices.co.uk/f7c08d20-beee-11ef-8785-9f0f88e05bc0.pdf|access-date=8 March 2025}}
• Championship
• League One{{efn|name="PO_F_O"|Play-off final only}}
• League Two{{efn|name="PO_F_O"}}
• {{flagicon|France}} Ligue 1{{cite web|title=Ligue 1 Règlement (version intégrale)|url=https://www.lfp.fr/-/media/Project/LFP/LFP/Documents/R%C3%A8glements/22-23-Reglement-Integral-10-11.pdf|access-date=26 June 2023}}
• {{flagicon|Germany}} Bundesliga{{cite news|title=Bundesliga to use goalline technology from 2015–16 season|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30336984|access-date=6 January 2016|work=BBC|date=4 December 2014}}
• {{flagicon|Germany}} 2. Bundesliga{{cite news|title=Bundesliga 2 set to implement goal-line technology in 2024/25|url=https://www.bundesliga.com/en/2bundesliga/news/bundesliga-2-ready-to-implement-goal-line-technology-in-2024-25-25634|access-date=14 February 2025|date=11 December 2023}}
• {{flagicon|Italy}} Serie A{{cite news|title=Serie A approves goal-line technology for next season|url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/2297461/serie-a-approves-goal-line-technology-for-next-season|access-date=6 January 2016|work=ESPN FC|date=13 February 2015}}
• {{flagicon|Netherlands}} Eredivisie{{efn|Selected matches}}{{cite news|title=Greater use of goal-line technology|url=https://www.fifa.com/who-we-are/news/greater-use-of-goal-line-technology-2756397|access-date=12 March 2021|work=FIFA|date=22 January 2016}}
• {{flagicon|Saudi Arabia}} Saudi Pro League{{cite news|title=7 Months After Cristiano Ronaldo's $250 Million Decision, Saudi Pro League Implement 'VAR' & 'Goal Line' Technology for 'Quantum Leap' in Refereeing|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/soccer-football-news-seven-months-after-cristiano-ronaldo-two-hundred-fifty-million-decision-saudi-pro-league-implement-var-goal-line-technology-for-quantum-leap-in-refereeing/|access-date=12 September 2024|date=26 July 2023}}

• {{flagicon|England}} FA Cup{{efn|Third round to quarter-finals (Premier League and EFL Championship stadiums only), semi-finals and final only}}[https://www.thefa.com/-/media/thefacom-new/files/competitions/2022-23/emirates-fa-cup/rules-of-the-fa-challenge-cup-2022-23.ashx RULES OF THE FA CHALLENGE CUP COMPETITION (“the Competition”)]
• {{flagicon|England}} EFL Cup{{efn|Second round to semi-finals (Premier League and EFL Championship stadiums only) and final only}}{{cite web | url=https://www.efl.com/carabao-cup/about-the-carabao-cup/carabao-cup-rules--regulations/ | title=Rules – EFL }}
• {{flagicon|England}} FA Community Shield{{cite news|title=Goal-line technology debut for Community Shield today|url=https://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/goal-line-technology-debut-community-shield-today-3973934|access-date=26 June 2023|work=Tribal Football|date=11 August 2013}}
• {{flagicon|Italy}} Coppa Italia{{efn|Round of 16 onwards}}{{cite web | url=https://www.restodelcalcio.com/coppa-italia-tante-le-novita-var-ma-non-solo/ | title=Coppa Italia, tante le novità: VAR ma non solo | date=9 July 2018 }}
• {{flagicon|Scotland}} Scottish Cup{{efn|Semi-finals and final only}}[https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/media/9973/scottish-cup-rules-2022-23.pdf RULES OF THE SCOTTISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CHALLENGE CUP COMPETITION]

• FIFA
• FIFA Arab Cup[https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/1cb651ecabc013df/original/voq3ubovqra0futvhdyx-pdf.pdf FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™ Regulations]
• FIFA U-20 World Cup[https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/26983ccd3059721a/original/Regulations-for-the-FIFA-U20-World-Cup-Chile-2025_EN.pdf]
• FIFA Women's World Cup{{Cite web |title=Hawk-Eye chosen for GLT duties at Women's World Cup |url=https://smartseries.sportspromedia.com/news/hawk_eye_chosen_for_glt_duties_at_womens_world_cup |access-date=2023-06-27 |website=smartseries.sportspromedia.com |language=en}}
• FIFA World Cup[https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/2744a0a5e3ded185/original/FIFA-World-Cup-Qatar-2022-Regulations_EN.pdf FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Regulations]

• AFC
• AFC Asian Cup[https://assets.the-afc.com/downloads/tournament-regulations/Asian-Cup-2027-Competition-Regulations-(upd-9-Aug-2024).pdf]
• AFC U-23 Asian Cup[https://assets.the-afc.com/downloads/tournament-regulations/AFC-U23-Asian-Cup-2026-Competitions-Regulations---5-Mar-2025-updated.pdf]
• CONCACAF
• CONCACAF Under-17 Championship{{cite web | url=https://www.concacaf.com/media/5zcbph3a/2025-concacaf-under-17-qualifiers-regulations-eng.pdf | title=Regulations | date=January 2025}}
• CONCACAF Under-20 Championship{{cite web | url=https://www.concacaf.com/media/5rrptsr0/2024-concacaf-u20c-regulations-eng.pdf | title=Regulations | date=2 February 2024 }}
• UEFA
• UEFA European Championship{{efn|name="FO"|Finals only}}{{cite web | url=https://documents.uefa.com/r/Regulations-of-the-UEFA-European-Football-Championship-2022-24/Article-38-Match-equipment-Online | title=UEFA Documents }}
• UEFA European Under-21 Championship{{efn|name="FO"}}{{cite web | url=https://documents.uefa.com/r/Regulations-of-the-UEFA-European-Under-21-Championship-2023-25/Article-33-Match-equipment-Online | title=UEFA Documents | date=30 January 2023 }}
• UEFA Nations League{{efn|name="FO"}}{{cite web | url=https://documents.uefa.com/r/Regulations-of-the-UEFA-Nations-League-2022/23/Article-34-Match-equipment-Online | title=UEFA Documents }}

{{As of|2024|9}}, FIFA's website list 144 stadiums with licensed GLT installations, 135 of which use the Hawk-Eye system.{{cite web|url=https://football-technology.fifa.com/en/resource-hub/certified-product-database/football-technologies/glt/installations/|title=FOOTBALL TECHNOLOGY – Resource Hub|publisher=FIFA}} The other 9 use Vieww, which is the other licensed provider.

Prior to 2012, competitions were unable to implement technology as provision was not made for it in the Laws. The Laws of association football are controlled by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), a body on which FIFA holds 50% of the voting power, sufficient to veto any changes to the laws.

Compared to other sports, association football was late to allow technology to assist with in-game decisions. The matter was a subject of debate within the game for over a decade with the game's lawmakers resisting calls for its implementation.

Throughout the 2000s various incidents incited discussion as to the potential for goal-line technology{{cite news|title=Nigerian media bitter in defeat|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/africa/cup_of_nations/cup_news/642400.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=1 August 2012|date=14 February 2000}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4130167.stm |title=Manchester United 0–0 Tottenham |work=BBC News |date=4 January 2005 |access-date=28 June 2010}}{{Cite news |url = https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/aug/17/bristol-city-palace-no-replay |title = Bristol City-Crystal Palace game will not be replayed |date = 17 August 2009 | location=London |work=The Guardian}}{{cite news|last1=Emery|first1=Daniel|title=PM and goal-line technology firms dispute Fifa claims|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10435509|access-date=23 April 2015|work=BBC|date=28 June 2010}} or a 'phantom goal'{{Cite news |url = https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/aug/15/crystal-palace-neil-warnock-freddie-sears |title = Neil Warnock furious as 'phantom goal' costs Crystal Palace |first = Herman |last = Miller |date = 15 August 2009 |location=London |work=The Guardian}} in the game. The lack of use of technology in association football was contrasted with other sports, which had incorporated video replays and other systems into their rules.

In response to this, FIFA decided to test a system by Adidas in which a football with an embedded microchip would send a signal to the referee if it crossed a sensor going through the goal.{{cite web|url=http://www.geekweek.com/2010/04/goal-line-technology-cross-too-many-lines-for-fifa-1.html |title=Goal-Line Technology: Crossing Too Many Lines For FIFA? |publisher=GeekWeek |date=19 April 2010 |first=Liam |last=McGrath |access-date=28 June 2010}} According to then-FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who was later forced out of football for his part in a serious corruption scandal, "We did different tests at the Under-17 World Cup in Peru but the evidence wasn't clear so we will carry out trials in junior competitions in 2007". However, those trials did not materialise and by 2008, Blatter had rejected the system outright, describing the technology as "only 95% accurate". FIFA and IFAB were resistant to introducing technology in the game, voting in March 2010 to permanently ditch the technology.{{cite news|title=Football's lawmakers reject goal-line technology|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8553463.stm|access-date=23 April 2015|publisher=BBC|date=6 March 2010}}

Following several refereeing errors at the 2010 FIFA World Cup – including the disallowed goal in Germany's 4–1 victory over England, when Frank Lampard hit a shot from outside of the penalty box that bounced off the crossbar and over the line; the ball came back out and the goal was disallowed because the assistant referee did not call for a goal{{cite news |url = http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/soccer/world-cup-2010/writers/jonathan_wilson/06/28/soccer.technology/index.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100701054117/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/soccer/world-cup-2010/writers/jonathan_wilson/06/28/soccer.technology/index.html |url-status = dead |archive-date = 1 July 2010 |title = Soccer could use instant replay, but not at expense of the sport's flow |first = Jonathan |last = Wilson |date = 28 June 2010 |work=CNN}} – Blatter announced that FIFA would reopen the goal-line technology discussion.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/30/sports/soccer/30ref.html?hp|title=FIFA President Apologizes for Refereeing Errors|date=29 June 2010|work=The New York Times|access-date=29 June 2010 | first=Jeffrey | last=Marcus}}

Before Euro 2012, UEFA president Michel Platini dismissed the need for goal-line technology, instead arguing for placing additional assistant referees behind the goal. However, in a Group D match with Ukraine losing 1–0 to England, a shot by Ukraine's Marko Dević shot briefly crossed the line within clear view of the goal-line official before it was cleared by England's John Terry, reopening the debate, although an offside in the build-up to the incident was too unnoticed by the match officials.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/9343883/Euro-2012-Ukraines-ghost-goal-against-England-another-example-of-why-we-need-goal-line-technology-says-Sepp-Blatter.html|title=Euro 2012: Ukraine's ghost goal against England another example of why we need goal-line technology, says Sepp Blatter|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=20 June 2012}}{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/rooney-seizes-his-chance-to-lift-englands-expectations-7866807.html|title=Rooney seizes his chance to lift England's expectations |work=The Independent|date=20 June 2012|access-date=20 June 2012}}

File:Teamgeist II adidas.jpg Teamgeist II with implanted chip, part of the proposed Cairos-Adidas system for goal-line technology]]

Heeding calls for the use of technology, in July 2011 FIFA began a process of sanctioned tests that eventually resulted in the approval of the systems used in the current game.

The first stage of testing considered multiple goal-line technology systems, with the requirement that the system notified the referee of the decision within one second of the incident happening. The message needed to be relayed via a visual signal and vibration.{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/jul/21/fifa-goal-line-technology | work=The Guardian | title=Fifa to run tests on nine goal-line technology systems this autumn | date=21 July 2011 | location=London}} Tests were conducted by Empa between September and December 2011.{{cite news|last=Conway|first=Richard|title=Goal-line technology edges closer |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17228500|access-date=3 March 2012|work=BBC Sport|date=15 April 2012}} Tested systems included:

• A system from Cairos Technologies, in collaboration with Adidas, based around a modified ball with an implanted chip and a magnetic field generated by thin cables behind the goal line. The system could detect if the ball passed through the field.{{cite web |url=http://www.wipo.int/wipo_magazine/en/2010/04/article_0001.html |title=Goal-line technology – Getting it right |publisher=The WIPO Journal |date=August 2010 |access-date=13 March 2012}}
• GoalRef: Another system based on generated magnetic fields and a sensor within the ball.
• Goalminder: A system based on cameras installed in the goal frame. This provided a visual playback to officials rather than an automatic goal-or-no-goal alert.{{cite web |url=http://www.goalminder.co.uk/ |title=About Goalminder – Goal Line Technology – Visually Informed |access-date=13 March 2012 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215103841/http://www.goalminder.co.uk/ |archive-date=15 December 2011}}.{{cite web |url=http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/enterprise/s/1461303_goalminder-aims-to-end-goal-line-errors |title=Goalminder aims to end goal-line errors |date=11 October 2011 |publisher=menmedia.co.uk |access-date=13 March 2012 |archive-date=5 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105015623/http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/enterprise/s/1461303_goalminder-aims-to-end-goal-line-errors |url-status=dead }}
• Hawk-Eye: A Sony-owned system based on multiple high-speed cameras whose images are used to triangulate the position of the ball. Hawk-Eye systems were, and still are, used in several other sports for supporting officiating decisions.{{cite news |title = Sport technology enables improved decisions |date = 11 October 2011 |first = David |last = Boothroyd |url = http://www.newelectronics.co.uk/electronics-technology/sport-technology-enables-improved-decisions/37425/ |access-date = 4 November 2011 |archive-date = 29 October 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201029154404/https://www.newelectronics.co.uk/electronics-technology/sport-technology-enables-improved-decisions/37425/ |url-status = dead }}

On 3 March 2012, IFAB announced that two of the eight proposed systems had proceeded to the second stage of testing. These were Hawk-Eye and GoalRef. In the second phase of testing, the manufacturer of the technology chose a stadium to test its technology in a number of imagined scenarios. Testing was also conducted in professional training sessions and in laboratories to account for different climatic conditions and other magnetic field distortions. There were also tests on the watches to be worn by referees. The systems underwent testing in some competitive matches.

GoalRef technology underwent match testing in some Danish Superliga matches in the first half of 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.dbu.dk/Nyheder/2012/Maj/FIFA_tester_teknologi.aspx |title=FIFA tester teknologi i Silkeborg og Farum |last=Berendt |first=Lars |publisher=Danish Football Association |language=da |date=16 May 2012 |access-date=16 May 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://sciencenordic.com/ball-tells-you-when-it%E2%80%99s|title=The ball tells you when it's in|access-date=29 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105054928/http://sciencenordic.com/ball-tells-you-when-it%E2%80%99s|archive-date=5 November 2018|url-status=dead}} Following the second phase trials, on 5 July 2012 IFAB approved GoalRef in principle, making it available for use in professional matches under a set of revised Laws of the Game. Each installation however would also require licensing approval for use in the individual stadium, on a 12-month basis. The 2012 FIFA Club World Cup was the first tournament where GoalRef was used by a match referee. Goal Ref was used for the first time on 6 December 2012 in the first match of the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup.{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/fifa-give-debut-to-goalline-technology-in-world-club-curtainraiser-3317352.html

|title= FIFA give debut to goal-line technology in World club curtain-raiser|date=6 December 2012 |work=Irish Independent|access-date=6 December 2012 }}

The first match to use the Hawk-Eye goal-line technology was Eastleigh F.C. versus A.F.C. Totton in the Hampshire Senior Cup final at St Mary's Stadium, Southampton in England on 16 May 2012. Although it used Hawk-Eye, the system had no bearing on the referee's decisions and the system readings were only available to FIFA's independent testing agency.{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17874013 | title=Non-league final to be used for goal-line technology experiment | date=27 April 2012 | work=BBC Sport}} The system was also in place for the technology's second test on 2 June for England's friendly match against Belgium.{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/may/24/england-belgium-goalline-technology | title=England friendly against Belgium to be big test of goalline technology | newspaper=The Guardian | date=24 May 2012 | location=London | first=Jamie | last=Jackson}}

File:Dzeko city.jpg of Manchester City scored the first goal in the Premier League that was given by goal-line technology]]

Following the success of the trials, in July 2012 IFAB voted unanimously to officially amend the Laws of the Game to permit (but not require) goal-line technology.{{cite web|title=IFAB makes three unanimous historic decisions|url=https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/news/y=2012/m=7/news=ifab-makes-three-unanimous-historic-decisions-1660541.html|website=FIFA.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association|access-date=23 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507234418/https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/news/y=2012/m=7/news=ifab-makes-three-unanimous-historic-decisions-1660541.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 May 2015|date=5 July 2012}}

In December 2012, FIFA announced it would introduce goal-line technology at the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.{{cite news| url= http://www.3news.co.nz/FIFA-set-to-introduce-goal-line-technology/tabid/415/articleID/279404/Default.aspx/Default.aspx| archive-url= https://archive.today/20130223141252/http://www.3news.co.nz/FIFA-set-to-introduce-goal-line-technology/tabid/415/articleID/279404/Default.aspx/Default.aspx| url-status= dead| archive-date= 23 February 2013| work= 3 News NZ| title= Goal-line tech gets green light| date= 6 December 2012}} Hawk-Eye technology was employed at Toyota Stadium, while GoalRef was used at International Stadium Yokohama.

GoalControl, a camera-based system which uses 14 high-speed cameras located around the pitch and directed at both goals, was used at the 2013 Confederations Cup, partly as a trial for use at the next year's World Cup.{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/apr/02/fifa-goalline-technology-snub-hawkeye|title= Fifa snubs Hawk-Eye in favour of German goalline technology|date=2 April 2013|work=The Guardian|access-date=4 April 2013|location=London|first=Dominic|last=Fifield}}{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22002733 | title=GoalControl to provide goal-line system at World Cup in Brazil | publisher=BBC | date=2 April 2013 | access-date=3 April 2013}}

The Football Association introduced Hawk-Eye during the 2013–14 Premier League season and the later rounds of the 2013–14 Football League Cup.{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22107409 | title=Goal-line technology: Premier League votes in favour for 2013–14 | work=BBC | date=2013-04-11 | access-date=2013-04-11}}BBC: [https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25405720 Football League to use goal-line technology in Capital One Cup] A League Cup quarter-final match on 17 December 2013 saw the first goal-line technology-assisted decision in English footballBBC: [https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25312545 Sunderland 2–1 Chelsea] and the first goal to be decisively awarded using the technology in the English Premier League was Edin Džeko's goal for Manchester City against Cardiff City on 18 January 2014.{{cite news |title=Arsenal stay top, technology aids Manchester City |date=19 January 2014 |first=Tom |last= Williams |url= http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/arsenal-stay-top-technology-aids-manchester-city-20140119-3124s.html |work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}

Following success at the Confederations Cup, GoalControl was used at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The first goal given by the technology was on 15 June 2014 group stage match between France and Honduras.{{cite news|title=France 3–0 Honduras|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25285092|access-date=15 June 2014|work=BBC Sport|date=15 June 2014}}

Goal Line Technology was implemented across the major European competitions. In December 2014, the Bundesliga clubs approved goal-line technology that will be introduced at the start of the 2015–16 Bundesliga season. The league picked the cheaper Hawk-Eye system over two German technologies.{{cite web|url=http://www.carlyleobserver.com/sports/bundesliga-approves-hawk-eye-goal-line-technology-for-new-season-1.1650074|title=Bundesliga approves Hawk-Eye goal-line technology for new season|access-date=12 May 2015|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029003339/https://www.carlyleobserver.com/sports/bundesliga-approves-hawk-eye-goal-line-technology-for-new-season-1.1650074|url-status=dead}} GoalControl was introduced for Ligue 1 for the start of the 2015–16 Ligue 1 season.{{Cite web |url=http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/lfp-adopts-goal-line-technology.htm |title=Ligue1.com – LFP adopts goal-line technology |access-date=6 January 2016 |archive-date=11 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311013140/http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/lfp-adopts-goal-line-technology.htm |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=Ligue 1 decides to go with GoalControl {{!}} GoalControl – Advanced Goal Line Technology |url=https://www.goalcontrol.de/en/news/2015/05/21/ligue-1-entscheidet-sich-f%C3%BCr-goalcontrol/ |website=www.goalcontrol.de |access-date=13 July 2018 |archive-date=13 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713173111/https://www.goalcontrol.de/en/news/2015/05/21/ligue-1-entscheidet-sich-f%C3%BCr-goalcontrol/ |url-status=dead }} Ligue 1 later switched to using Hawk-Eye in 2018 after the GoalControl system made errors.{{cite news |last1=Holyman |first1=Ian |title=Hawk-Eye to provide goal-line tech in Ligue 1 |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/french-ligue-1/story/3472391/hawk-eye-to-provide-goal-line-tech-in-ligue-1-after-goal-control-deal-ended |access-date=13 July 2018 |work=ESPN.com |date=26 April 2018}}

Goal Line Technology was used in the UEFA Europa League final, UEFA Champions League, European Championship and Copa America for the first time in 2016.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35726091|title=Goalline technology to be used in Champions League final|work=BBC Sport }}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/22/uefa-goal-line-technology-euro-2016|title=Uefa to use goal-line technology at Euro 2016 and in Champions League|agency=Press Association|website=TheGuardian.com|date=22 January 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/copa-america-use-goal-line-technology#:b-aD2lVKTshaWA|title=Copa America to use goal-line technology|date=26 May 2016}}

While advocates for goal-line technology maintain that it would significantly reduce refereeing errors during play, there are also criticisms of the technology. Much of the criticism came from within FIFA itself including disgraced former FIFA president Blatter. Apart from the criticisms revolving around the technical aspects of the two proposed technologies, critics allege that such technology would impact on the human element of the game and eliminate what they promote as the laudable activity of debating mistakes.{{cite news|last=Kelso |first=Paul |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/7857951/England-v-Germany-Frank-Lampards-goal-reignites-goal-line-technology-debate.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100630075527/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/7857951/England-v-Germany-Frank-Lampards-goal-reignites-goal-line-technology-debate.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 June 2010 |title=England v Germany: Frank Lampard's 'goal' reignites goal-line technology debate |newspaper=The Telegraph |date= 27 June 2010|access-date=28 June 2010 | location=London}} Blatter has been quoted as saying, "Other sports regularly change the laws of the game to react to the new technology. ... We don't do it and this makes the fascination and the popularity of football."{{cite news|author=CBC Sports |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/fifa-halts-instant-replay-experiment-1.695604 |title=FIFA halts instant replay experiment |publisher=Cbc.ca |date=8 March 2008 |access-date=28 June 2010}}

A study suggested that in the 2010–11 Premier League season "errors took place nearly 30% of the time that video replays could help prevent", but some people claim that instant replays would interrupt the flow of the game and take away possible plays.{{cite web |url=http://www.newelectronics.co.uk/electronics-technology/sport-technology-enables-improved-decisions/37425/ |title=Sport technology enables improved decisions |date=11 October 2011 |publisher=newelectronics.co.uk |access-date=13 March 2012 |archive-date=29 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029154404/https://www.newelectronics.co.uk/electronics-technology/sport-technology-enables-improved-decisions/37425/ |url-status=dead }}

Other critics believe it would be prohibitively expensive to implement the technology at all levels of the game and particularly for smaller/poorer football associations. FIFA officials have expressed a preference for "better refereeing" as well as more match officials over implementing the technology.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/7857729/England-v-Germany-Fifa-want-better-refereeing-not-goal-line-technology.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100627172253/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/england/7857729/England-v-Germany-Fifa-want-better-refereeing-not-goal-line-technology.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 June 2010 |title=England v Germany: Fifa want 'better refereeing' not goal-line technology |newspaper=The Telegraph |date= 27 June 2010|access-date=28 June 2010 | location=London | first=Paul | last=Kelso}} Advocates, in turn, cite the many examples of incorrect goal-line decisions deciding important games and point out that the technology has improved much since the initial trials carried out by FIFA. Advocates contend that any extra help for the referee should outweigh arguments that it would lead to non-uniform rules (since not all football associations would be able to implement it).

Blatter had been opposed to goal-line technology until Frank Lampard's disallowed goal in the 2010 World Cup where the ball clearly crossed the line.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/7061644/soccer-not-set-install-goal-line-aids-2013 |title=Soccer: No goal-line aids until 2013 |date=5 October 2011 |publisher=ESPN |location=London |access-date=13 March 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2012/dec/11/michel-platini-goalline-technology-video|title=Michel Platini: goalline technology money would be better spent on grassroots – video|last=theguardian.com|website=TheGuardian.com|date=11 December 2012}}

The introduction of additional assistant referees, who are mostly positioned beside the goal line, was partly in order to facilitate in such situations.

In April 2014, MLS commissioner Don Garber confirmed that MLS would not adopt goal-line technology for the 2014 season, citing cost as the overriding factor. GoalControl installation would cost about $260,000 per stadium, and a further $3,900 for each game.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/04/25/mls-commissioner-don-garber-says-league-wont-adopt-goal-line-technology-2014|title=mlssoccer.com – MLS Commissioner Don Garber says league won't adopt goal-line technology by 2014|access-date=12 May 2015|archive-date=19 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919114824/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/04/25/mls-commissioner-don-garber-says-league-wont-adopt-goal-line-technology-2014|url-status=dead}}

In early 2014, the vast majority of teams in the two divisions of th German Bundesliga voted against introducing goal-line technology for financial reasons. The costs per club would have ranged from €250,000 for a chip inside the ball up to €500,000 for Hawk-Eye or GoalControl. The manager of 1. FC Köln, Jörg Schmadtke, summarized the vote with "The cost is so exorbitant, that using this (technology) is not acceptable".[http://www.spiegel.de/sport/fussball/bundesliga-fuehrt-torlinientechnologie-vorerst-nicht-ein-a-960412.html Fußball: Bundesliga verzichtet auf Torlinientechnik], Spiegel Online, 2014-03-24.

World governing body FIFA are set to make £300,000 from the Premier League's decision to install goal-line technology in all top-flight stadiums before the start of next season. Each of the 20 clubs will have to pay FIFA £15,000 to install, test and receive the 'FIFA quality seal' for Hawk-Eye's camera-based system, which is expected to cost around £250,000 per ground in total. FIFA will also make an extra £15,000 from Wembley Stadium, which will have the technology installed for use in events such as the FA Cup semi-finals and final.{{Citation needed|date=December 2019}}

The Scottish Professional Football League stated in December 2017 that it would not be implementing goal-line technology, as it is only affordable for the richest leagues in Europe.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42504610 |title=Goal-line technology 'unaffordable' for Scottish Premiership |first=Jonathan |last=Sutherland |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=28 December 2017 |access-date=28 December 2017}}

Multiple errors in the 2017–18 Coupe de la Ligue quarter-finals led to the use of the GoalControl system being temporarily suspended by the {{lang|fr|Ligue de Football Professionnel|italic=no}}.{{Cite web|title=French league suspends goal-line technology after errors|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-france-technology/french-league-suspends-goal-line-technology-after-errors-idUKKBN1F10Q5|date=2018-01-12|access-date=2020-06-19|website=Reuters|language=en}} It failed to award Paris Saint-Germain their second goal against Amiens, which the video assistant referee (VAR) overturned. In the match between Angers and Montpellier, the system incorrectly flagged the referee, causing the match officials to not use it for the second half.{{Cite web|title=French league suspends goalline technology after cup errors|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42653715|date=2018-01-11|access-date=2020-06-19|website=BBC Sport|language=en}}

The system came under scrutiny in June 2020 after a Premier League match between Aston Villa and Sheffield United as the technology failed to award a goal for Sheffield United despite the fact that Aston Villa goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland had carried the ball over the goal line after mishandling a free kick from Sheffield United's Oliver Norwood by colliding with teammate Keinan Davis.{{Cite web|date=2020-06-17|title=Sheffield United fume after being denied goal on Premier League return|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/sheffield-united-aston-villa-nyland-norwood-goal-line-technology-var-michael-oliver-a9571741.html|access-date=2020-06-18|website=The Independent|language=en}} As no goal was signalled, the match officials decided not to let VAR intervene, and the game finished goalless.{{Cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/1685153 |title=MW30 VAR review: Why Sheff Utd were denied a goal |publisher=Premier League |date=2020-06-18 |access-date=2021-01-21 }} Hawk-Eye apologised, explaining the failure as due to an anomalous amount of occlusion of its cameras' view of the incident.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0617/1148116-hawk-eye-apologise-for-missing-sheffield-united-goal/ |title=Hawk-Eye apologise for missing Sheffield United goal |work=RTÉ Sport |publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann |date=2020-06-17 |access-date=2021-01-21 |language=en}}

The system came under further scrutiny in 2022 after an EFL Championship game between Huddersfield Town and Blackpool FC saw Yuta Nakayama head the ball over the goal line before being scrambled out by Daniel Grimshaw. As the goal was not signalled by Hawk-Eye, the referee did not award a goal and the match finished 0–1 to Blackpool. The EFL released a statement the next day, insisting that the referee's decision was "final" and "the match result stands".{{Cite news |title=Huddersfield denied goal after 'Hawk-Eye failure' |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62794705 |access-date=2022-09-05}}

• Video assistant referee
• Photo finish
• Ghost goal

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [http://quality.fifa.com/en/Goal-Line-Technology/ FIFA Quality programme page regarding GLT]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Goal-Line Technology}}

Category:Association football equipment

Category:Sports officiating technology