Why Goal-line Technology in Football Would Work

As the current Premier League season draws to a fantastically gripping conclusion, there isn't a single fan that can honestly say this season hasn't been one of the most exciting to date. Despite this, there is a huge elephant in the room that Fifa and UEFA seem to be refusing to acknowledge. Of course I am talking about the ongoing debate on goal-line technology.

I have spent hours watching others discuss the issue and yesterday had a very heated debate of my own on the issue with a couple of flatmates. From this, it is clear that I am extremely pro goal-line technology and angry that it hasn't already been implemented since we evidently have the ability. When a matter of this magnitude can be cleared up so easily and quickly, it is utter madness that the technology is not in place.

The issue of cost is often cited as the oppositions' main argument againt the implementation of said technology; however, the cost can be limited due to the fact that every match in the football league is televised. The Football League Show on BBC1 has cameras at every ground. It may be a simple issue of copyrights to the footage. If so, each ground could be supplied with a camera, which surely wouldn't cost too much, considering the amount of money supplied to clubs and the help they receive to prevent extinction.

Moreover, programmes such as A Question of Sport and A League of Their Own gain footage of leagues from all over the world in rounds such as 'What Happened Next', proving that these leagues are also filmed, meaning that there will be images to show if the ball has crossed the line.

Football, especially at the highest levels is now more than a medium of entertainment, it is a business. Imagine, in the play-off final if Reading or Swansea were to have a shot cross the line, but not given. That could cost them around £90 million. Of course, the counter argument is what if one of the sides scores a goal that is offside or there is a foul that isn't seen. Those decisions are down to human interpretation. One referee may view one tackle as a foul; the same incident can be shown to a different referee who deems it to be a fair challenge. Similarly, the linesman has a primary job to judge offsides. Some are blatant, most of which they get right. Conversely, there are others that are contentious. This is where there is a definate grey area that doesn't exist for goal-line technology. It is simply black and white.

Many will argue that the technology won't change anything drastically. but if one goal is given, or not given as a result of goal-line technology, then it has a justified place in football. The sooner it is implemented, the better.