The proposal of the system was ruled out at the weekend when the International Football Association Board convened in Zurich and voted on the subject. Despite the technology being backed by both the English and Scottish Football Associations, they were outvoted by six votes to two.
It now seems that controversy will continue within the sport especially given another goal line incident at the weekend between Portsmouth and Birmingham City in an F.A. Cup Quarter Final tie. Birmingham defender Liam Ridgewell clearly forced the ball beyond the goal line with a header but his rewards were not forthcoming as the assistant referee adjudged the ball to have been kept out by England international goalkeeper David James.
Manager’s Approval
With the growing concern in the modern game over the subject Arsene Wenger and Martin O’Neill voiced their approval of the potential inclusion of goal line technology last week. Also, the pair have been joined by Bolton manager Owen Coyle and Sunderland’s Steve Bruce who have added to calls for the change to come into effect.
Coyle said: "Ultimately you don't want to change too much about the game, because it is the best game in the world. But I do believe with goal-line technology that, if there is a system in place that is foolproof, then that should be brought in.
Bruce echoed Coyle’s sentiments: "I am amazed by Sepp Blatter's comments and it came just after last weekend's goal [at Portsmouth], we have seen it in cricket, rugby and tennis and for me it is a no-brainer - but we have to respect his decision but I don't think anyone agrees with it."
FIFA Fear
The fears over FIFA’s inability to make sensible decisions could come back to haunt football’s governing body with calls for the Premier League to abandon protocol by issuing their own system of authority by providing technological assistance to referees. Such measures could have drastic ramifications for the future of English football but it seems Blatter and Co. have made yet another hash, potentially forcing the English Football Association's hand.
Blatter Corruption
It is still unbeknown to many why Sepp Blatter is still empowered at such a high level in football, given his regular outburst and rants which often leave his peers bemused. Indeed, Blatter’s first election in 1998 was marred in controversy amid reports he attempted to bribe someone to vote for him.
Apparently, the Switzerland born 73 year old is believed to have offered $100,000 to Farra Ado, vice-president of the CAF and president of the Somalian football association.
The news prompted an immediate investigation from Blatter's deputy and former protégé, Michel Zen-Ruffinen who drew up a 30-page dossier earmarking allegations of corruption. But, despite this, when the dossier was sent to the Swiss authorities they cleared Blatter of any wrongdoing and disregarded the $100 million of losses he had brought onto FIFA’s accounts.
Furthermore, an internal investigation within FIFA was stopped by Blatter because of confidentiality agreements and Zen-Ruffinen was removed from office by Blatter immediately before the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Blatter Documented Ego
In 2004, Blatter was mocked by the press and risked the wrath of female footballers when he suggested that women should "wear tighter shorts and low cut shirts... to create a more female aesthetic" and attract more male fans.
During the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final in Germany, Blatter’s absence during the prize-podium event was berated throughout world media. It was reported that the real reason he did not attend the winners ceremony was because he was upset that Italy had won instead of France.
Irish Dig
The much maligned French figure Thierry Henry infamously twice handled the ball to help his side to victory (an example of when goal line technology would have been extremely beneficial) during a vital World Cup qualifier for France against the Republic of Ireland. Blatter publicly laughed at a request by the FAI that Ireland be the 33rd entrant following the controversial incident, a reaction which infuriated many football fans.
Amongst these inexplicable findings there are, as shocking as it is, even more bad decisions which have been made by Blatter. Is it not time now for someone with age on their side to take over the reins and bring football into the modern era because it seems the only person/people who are not moving in the right direction is FIFA.
Everybody in the game can understand the importance of tradition and the fear what change will bring. But in cases such as the goal line saga it is clear that the only way forward is to remove the pensioners from FIFA and bring a new, fresh and modernized generation to lift the image of the game.
Robert Brady - Robert graduated from the University of Derby in 2009 having studied 'Film and Television with Media Writing' over a four year ...
