Anger as FIFA rejects goalline technology

The International Football Association Board has rejected the introduction of goalline technology, sparking an angry reaction from some football managers.

The decision was taken after a presentation of experiments during which cameras were placed on the goal posts and electronic chips inserted in the ball to determine if it had crossed the goal- line. Hawk-Eye technology using cameras and computers is already used in tennis and cricket.

A unanimous decision was not reached by board members on goalline technology, but according to a source close to the dossier, a majority came out in principle against its introduction.

"Concerning goalline technology, the board concluded that goalline technology would not be pursued," FIFA said in a statement on Saturday.

The news brought a sharp reaction from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who said it was "beyond comprehension" that global football chiefs had maintained their opposition to goalline technology.

"For me, it is difficult to understand, for one reason because you want as much justice as possible," Wenger added.

"I do not even think it is linked with the money factor. If you love football you want the right decisions to be made."

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish also hit out at the decision.

McLeish's team appeared to have been denied a legitimate goal in their FA Cup quarter-final 2-0 defeat by Portsmouth earlier on Saturday, a goal that would surely have stood if replays had been available to match officials.

"That is a frustrating decision by FIFA because I think they are doing their officials a disservice," said the former Scotland and Rangers manager.

"It's not easy for their guys to see it in a split second. I know you can't stop every part of the game but certainly for key decisions in a major competition like the FA Cup."

FIFA said that a presentation had also been provided on the experiment with additional assistant referees in the Europa League, after 144 matches played so far.

FIFA added that a special meeting of the board would discuss the final analysis of the experiment on May 17-18, after the May 12 Europa League final.