IFAB decides not to pursue goal-line technology
(FIFA.com) Saturday 6 March 2010
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) convened at the Home of FIFA in Zurich today, Saturday 6 March, for the 124th Annual General Meeting, which, as is the case with every FIFA World Cup™ year, was chaired by FIFA and its President Joseph S. Blatter.
A presentation was provided on the experiment with additional assistant referees in the 2009/2010 UEFA Europa League, following the 144 matches played so far. It was agreed that following the conclusion of the competition on 12 May 2010, a special meeting of the Board will discuss the final analysis of the experiment on 17-18 May.
Concerning goal-line technology, the Board concluded that goal-line technology would not be pursued.
It was also agreed that Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct – Sending-off Offences), Law 14 (The Penalty Kick) and the roles and responsibilities of the fourth official would all be further discussed on 17-18 May.
Regarding amendments to the Laws of the Game, approval was given to the proposals submitted by The Scottish Football Association in relation to Law 5 (The Referee – Injured Players) agreeing to the treatment of injured players from the same team who have collided on the pitch. It was also approved that stretcher bearers will now only enter the pitch following the signal of the referee.
The proposal of The Scottish Football Association also in relation to Law 5 (The Referee – Injured Players) to allow players to be treated on the field of play “if the injury was sustained as the result of an offence committed against him by an opponent” was not approved. The decision was made that the IFAB Technical Sub-Committee would further discuss this proposed amendment.
The decisions concerning the Laws of the Game taken today by the International Football Association Board will come into effect on 1 June 2010.
The 125th Annual General Meeting will take place at Celtic Manor, Newport, Wales between 4 and 6 March 2011.
