FIFA wrong to ignore technology

WHEN in March, football’s rule makers announced discussions over goal-line technology had been shelved, I remember hoping a major incident at the World Cup would show that decision to be the nonsense it was.

Well, I got my wish.

Let’s be clear – Germany deserved to win and England deserved to lose. They could have been 5-1 down by the time Frank Lampard’s delicate shot came down off the underside of Manuel Neuer’s goal and bounced a clear yard over the line.

From an England perspective it’s hard to know what to focus on: the shambolic defensive performance which did the damage in the first place or the horror decision from assistant referee Mauricio Espinosa which prevented them from mending it.

Each is in danger of being overshadowed by the other.

From FIFA’s point of view, and that of rule makers the International FA Board, there is only one thing to ponder and that is how they have allowed themselves once again to be made to look so utterly foolish.

The eyes of the world saw a clear goal ruled out for absolutely no reason other than the stubbornness of the game’s governing body. It would have taken a matter of seconds to verify Lampard had scored a good goal; instead hours and hours will be spent poring over the footage and wondering how such a bizarre conclusion – that the ball had not crossed the line – was reached.

One of the key reasons given for the decision back in March was that the human element is a key part of football. Some posit that is what makes the game great – that the mistakes and controversies are what keep people talking around the world.

But really, who cares about that when the very integrity of the game – and increasingly high stakes – are in the balance?

FIFA’s ideals have been maintained, but is that any consolation to England who, make no mistake were well and deservedly beaten, but could have seen things pan out differently had they been level and not chasing the game in the second half?

And does anyone seriously think supporters would have nothing to talk about if referees actually got decisions right?

FIFA and the traditionalists seem intent to turn football into a laughing stock across the sporting world. Carlos Tevez’s opener for Argentina last night provided further ammunition for those seeking the intervention of technology. It has been embraced by nearly every major sport to the betterment of all of them. Equivalent decisions would never have been allowed to stand in rugby or in American football.

Hawk-Eye has been the greatest innovation in tennis for years, producing correct decisions in seconds and adding to the tension of the sport. Even cricket, which has lagged behind since being something of a pioneer with the introduction of video replays for run outs, is finally finding a way to eradicate rank poor umpiring calls with the decision review system.

It is stubborn to the point of perversity for football not to use the technology that is available and which would so clearly benefit the game.

There’s too much at stake. Some argue the authority of the referee must be protected – but there is no greater challenge to that authority than when a clear mistake from an official is broadcast around the world for millions of pairs of eyes to see within seconds.

In fact, the decision to rule out the use of technology was motivated by pure, irrational paranoia, as FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke as good as admitted back in March.

“If we start with goal-line technology then any part of the game and pitch will be a potential space where you could put in place technology to see if the ball was in or out, whether it was a penalty and then you end up with video replays,” he said.

In other words, FIFA, who represent half of the voting power of the IFAB, see goal-line technology as the thin end of the wedge.

They see maintaining the status quo as a way keeping control of the game in the face of the increasing power of cash-rich super-brands like Real Madrid and Man Utd.

But just as England should not be allowed to hide behind the fact a terrible decision contributed to their exit from the World Cup, so FIFA should not be able to justify their inaction by pointing out the better team won.

It’s time football’s powerbrokers finally did something for the good of the game.