Boyce calls for goal-line tech

Boyce calls for goal-line tech

Jim Boyce: 100 behind goal-line technology

FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce has once again called for goal-line technology to be introduced to the game of football.

The subject is again in the headlines after Chelsea were controversially awarded a second goal in their 5-1 win over Tottenham at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final.

Juan Mata was credited with a goal, but replays showed that a mixture of John Terry and Benoit Assou-Ekotto had prevented the ball from crossing the line.

"I have been an advocate of goal-line technology for over a decade now and honestly the sooner it is introduced the better"
Jim BoyceQuotes of the week

And Boyce feels t hat this incident, coupled with many others over the years, means football can no longer delay embracing technology.

A decision could be made as early as July when footballs rule makers, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), meet in Kiev.

"My views are quite clear on this," he told Sky Sports.

"I have been an advocate of goal-line technology for over a decade now and honestly the sooner it is introduced the better.

"It is not only the controversy that happened yesterday (Chelsea v Spurs), there has been several of these over the years. That is a matter of fact. And whether it is a goal or not is a matter of fact.

Backing

"I am 100 behind goal-line technology and have been, but I am against technology for other decisions because they are a matter of opinion. I have watched the Ashley Young incident a number of times and that is a matter of opinion. I personally thought it was a penalty although maybe he did go d own a little bit too easy.

"If the system is approved on 2nd July, the system can be introduced right away."
Jim BoyceQuotes of the week

"It has got to be introduced because it works in other sports. My second sport would be cricket and it works exceptionally well in cricket, it works in tennis, it works in rugby and quite honestly it's got to be introduced on 2nd July."

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has warmed to the idea of technology in recent seasons, and Boyce is hoping he can help influence the decision when the IFAB meet.

He added: "Sepp Blatter was one of the people against it, but you have to remember it wasn't just FIFA, the four British associations were there as well. The big problem was getting it right. Getting a system that was quick and precise and a decision could be made instantly.

"So hopefully now after all the testing and after all these years, I think Sepp Blatter is now 1 00 behind it and not only him but I hope the whole international football board will get behind it and will now get the system that all the public want to see."

Referees

The Northern Irishman also feels that referees will support the introduction of goal-line technology to the game.

"I have been a delegate for many years for UEFA at various cup games and haven't spoken to one referee in all those years who said to me they wouldn't be happy with goal-line technology," said Boyce.

"They are not happy with technology for other decisions, but not one of them said to me they wouldn't be happy with goal-line technology."

If the IFAB approve one of the two systems they will be presented with in Kiev, goal-line technology could be introduced to the Premier League as early as next season.

The 68-year-old added: "I think if the system is approved on 2nd July, the system can be introduced right away, provided that system is available for kick- off which will probably be the middle of August."