Goal-line technology approval backed

IFAB announced that two systems, Hawk-Eye and GoalRef, have been approved after passing a series of scientific tests.

And the Premier League wasted no time in hailing the decision, releasing a statement straight after the announcement saying that the technology will be introduced in to England's top division as quickly as possible.

"The Premier League has been a long term advocate of goal-line technology," the statement read.

"We welcome today's decision by IFAB and will engage in discussions with both Hawkeye and GoalRef in the near future with a view to introducing goal-line technology as soon as is practically possible."

Technology is already used to help officials in other sports such as cricket, rugby and tennis.

A series of controversial decisions last season increased the pressure on the game's law-makers to allow its introduction into football. And the debate reared its head again at the European championship when Ukraine was not given a goal against England despite the ball appearing to be over the line.

Premier League players gave their backing to the introduction of the technology.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand tweeted: "Goal line technology approved....losing the essence of the game, debate, human error etc...saying that Hawk eye in tennis is exciting!"

QPR midfielder Joey Barton said: "Goal line tech given green light in Zurich. At last, better late than never. Great news..."

Football Association (FA) chairman David Bernstein and general secretary Alex Horne voted in favour of the motion.

Horne said: "It is a hugely important day. It is a cause we have had on our agenda for a number of years."

Hawk-Eye was tested at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium in May and FIFA thanked the FA for its assistance.

A FIFA spokesman said: "We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to the Football Association for their willingness to support the live match tests, a critical part of Test Phase 2 for Goal-line technology."

Scottish FA chief executive Stewart Regan hailed the decision.

Regan said: "Over the past few years there have been a number of occasions where mistakes have been made in football.

"The referee will still make the final decision but the view of the board is that anything that can help the referee has to be good.

"I think this is an historic day for football and I'm delighted to be part of that decision made today."

Patrick Nelson, chief executive of the Irish FA, added: "The three decisions made today will be long-lasting and will resonate throughout the world.

"The IFAB has been around since 1886 and has been the guardians of the laws of the game for all that time, and has developed the game slowly and carefully and conservatively.

"But this is a momentous day, the beginning of something new in football."

Jonathan Ford, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales, also backed the decision, which was made unanimously.

Ford said: "The Football Association of Wales is extremely proud to be a member of this board and has devoted a great deal of time and deliberation and effort to this.

"Fundamental and momentous decisions were made here today and we are very proud to be involved with that."