No word yet on whether goal line technology will be used at 2015 Women’s World Cup

By Neil Davidson

THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO _ FIFA has confirmed that goal-line technology will be used at next month’s FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco. But there is no word yet on whether it will be part of the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada.

“At the time of writing, we can’t give you any confirmation,” a FIFA spokesman said by email in response to a Canadian Press query. “The information will be communicated in due time.”

The 2012 version of the Club World Cup marked FIFA’s first use of goal-line technology. It was also used at the 2103 edition, as well as the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 and 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

All are men’s competitions.

The use of goal-line technology at the women’s tournament is of particular interest at this time given the ongoing legal challenge by a group of elite female players over the use of artificial turf at the Women’s World Cup next year in six cities across Canada.

The women have filed a complaint to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, arguing that forcing the women to play on artificial turf is discriminatory because the men play their showcase tournament on grass.

FIFA and the Canadian Soccer Association argue that the laws of the game allow for playing on sanctioned artificial turf and that the surface makes sense for the Canadian climate.

The CSA, the national organizing committee of the 2015 tournament, is in the process of surveying its venue surfaces to make sure they meet FIFA quality levels.

FIFA confirmed Monday in an article on its website that GoalControl GmbH will be the official goal-line technology provider for Morocco 2014. The German-based company has already started to set up its equipment in Marrakech and Rabat, which will play host to eight matches Dec. 10-20.

The system used four high-speed cameras located around the pitch, with seven cameras focusing on each goal. Using special detection software, conformation of whether a goal has been scored is sent within one second by a vibration and visual signal on match officials’ watches.

FIFA says use of the system in Morocco will be subject to a final installation test at each stadium.

Goal-line technology was introduced into the laws of the game in June 2012, following ratification by the International Football Association Board.

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