FIFA Says "NO" to Goal-Line Technology

One of the most controversial decisions relating to 2010 FIFA Cup (June 11 - July 11 in South Africa) is relating to its implementation of goal-line technology. Critics are calling this the dumbest decision in soccer refereeing technology, as it would have allowed a goal to accurately be determined as a goal instantaneously by computerized chips. Proponents of the rule hail this decision as instrumental in keeping soccer a human-oriented sport not focused or inclusive of any type of technology. Nonetheless, 90% of voters in a FIFPro poll stated that they would like to see the implementation of accurate goal-line technology in soccer.

The very few supporters of this ruling (1 in 10 soccer fans, as well as FIFA executives) favor pure human interaction in the game with absolutely no technological interference whatsoever. This would be a great platform to stand on, by declaring that sports should be human-only. However, what proponents do not realize is that this technology does not intrude on the game at all. A device is placed on the goal, which would then give the answer of whether or not the goal was made. Put simply: there is no intrusion, simply answers.

So, why is FIFA denying instrumental technology? The answer is fear. The FIFA executives are afraid that technology is going to take over everything, even soccer. They are afraid things are going to end up like Terminator: first it starts with the goal-line, and next thing you know the robots are going to take over the world and not let us play soccer! What was going through their heads?

What FIFA also fails to realize is that everything being used in soccer is technology. The soccer ball being kicked is a piece of technology. The goal being kicked into, was once thought of and invented as a piece of technology. The white chalk used to define the goal-box is technology. Anything made by humans is technology. So why are they allowed? Because they aid in a better, more fair and fun game. Hence, goal-line technology will soon be implemented in other leagues, whether or not the dull witted FIFA committee will sooner or later.

Fans understand that there is no intrusion in the game, yet the people like FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke saying "Technology should not enter the game. We should trust and keep football as a human game" does not help the sport idealize. Instead, what we have is a fear to accept new and better ideas. The world changes, life changes, the universe changes, and soccer is no exception.

Sources:
- Crunch Gear, FIFA officially rules out goal-line technology
- Goal, FIFA Reject Proposal for Goal-Line Technology