NFL set to look at chip-in-ball technology

THE NFL are in discussions about employing chip-in-ball technology to help rule on contentious touchdown and first down calls, according to German manufacturer Cairos Technologies.

“Yes, we are talking. There is a demand in American Football,” Cairos sales director Mario Hanus told Reuters.

The NFL would not deny or confirm the talks. However, a spokesman for the league said on Tuesday that they are looking at expanding their use of technology.

“We are always exploring ways in which we can be innovative with technology to improve our game and our fans enjoyment of the game,” spokesman Michael Signora said.

Currently NFL team coaches are able to use video replays to challenge two contentious calls a game.

Cairos have been bidding to have their technology used in soccer to help rule on dubious goals when there is doubt about the ball crossing the goalline.

The debate was re-ignited during the World Cup in South Africa after a Frank Lampard strike against Germany landed over the goalline after hitting the bar but was not spotted by the referee or his assistant.

So far FIFA have rejected the use of the technology leading Cairos to look at other sports who could use their expertise.

“There are other sports more open to the topic maybe than soccer at this time but the requirements are different and the development was in first placed to solve that particular issue (in soccer),” Hanus said.

However, he said the technology could easily be adapted to rule on debatable first down decisions, especially when a scrum of players block the view of the officials.

“In American Football you have the same situation, you need to cross a line and the ball needs to be over the line 100% and they (the players) are always above the ball (covering it).”

Hanus demonstrated the technology using an adidas ball holding a small chip in the centre which, when crossing the line, sent an alert to an officials’ watch.

Cairos say their system, which they have been working on for nearly a decade, is not as expensive as many forecast and would prove cheaper than employing two additional referees in matches.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress yesterday denied star quarterback Brett Favre has already told him he will retire this summer, but admitted he would not be surprised if the call came soon — the veteran was set to make a decision last night.

Reports suggested Favre had begun telling Vikings officials he would not be back for a 20th professional season, but Childress said the news was yet to reach him.

“It’s fluid. We text back and forth all the time,” he said. “I’m not aware of (the reports). Someone told me that coming off the field. Players, team-mates text back and forth all the time. If and when he does something one way or the other, he’ll communicate with me.

“He has not (told me anything). I have talked to him in the last 24 hours.”

Favre has been weighing his future again this summer after having ankle surgery, but Childress said he is not pressing the 40-year-old for an answers.

“It wouldn’t surprise me one way or the other whether he elects to play or if he elects to retire,” he said. “I think we can all live with it either way.”