Fifa to review goal-line technology

FIFA have said they will review their goal-line technology system after its first use in the history of the World Cup sparked widespread confusion during the France encounter with Honduras. While the German-manufactured GoalControl system proved accurate in determining that the Honduras goalkeeper, Noel Valladares, had indeed inadvertently knocked the ball across the line, the confusion was caused by the fact that the system first analyised the shot from Karim Benzema that bounced off the post and across the face of the Honduras goal.

On the big screens at the Estadio Beira-Rio the first incident was given as a ‘‘no goal’’, which sparked celebration among the Honduras players already a goal and a man down.

But then game the secondary analysis — a ‘‘goal’’ — which in turn sparked anger, particularly in the form of a fuming Honduras coach Luis Suarez. ‘‘I don’t understand how the system can say ‘no goal’ and then ‘goal’,’’ he complained after seeing his side lose 3-0. ‘‘What is the truth?’’

Unlike those watching on television, the fans inside the stadium were also confused — as was France manager Didier Deschamps — and Fifa issued a statement ahead of a daily briefing where the issue will also be discussed.

“For France’s second goal, a specific situation occurred where the ball hit the inside of the post, rebounded away from the goal before hitting the goalkeeper and rolling back towards the goal and across the goal-line,” said the Fifa statement.

“The first replay that was used showed the ball hitting the inside of the post and not fully crossing the line, before the next replay aired seconds later with the animation confirming the ball had fully crossed the line after it had hit the goalkeeper.

“Fifa understands that some fans are seeing GLT animated replays for the first time. In order to ensure maximum clarity in the future for those unfamiliar with GLT, Fifa will review the coverage of this match with the broadcast production team and GoalControl GmbH, to see if any improvements can be made to enhance the viewing experience for fans.’’ – Sportsmail.