FIFA have confirmed that the final phase of goal-line technology tests will begin later this month.
Final phase of goal-line technology testing set to start soon
FIFA have confirmed that the final phase of goal-line technology tests will begin later this month.
The goal-line technology debate was re-ignited on Sunday when Juan Mata's shot never crossed the line for Chelsea's second goal in their 5-1 FA Cup semi-final success over Spurs.
The International Football Association Board, the game's rule-making body, last month approved two systems to go into a second round of testing in match scenarios before either can be sanctioned for use in competitive fixtures at a meeting on July 2.
"The latest planning meeting for test phase two was held on Friday, and the second phase of tests will commence before end of April, and will continue throughout May," FIFA said in a statement on Sunday.
Accuracy
IFAB must be satisfied with the speed and accuracy of Hawk-Eye or GoalRef before high-tech aids for referees can be deployed in football for the first time.
Hawk-Eye is a camera-based ball-tracking system successfully deployed in tennis and cricket, while GoalRef uses a magnetic field with a special ball.
Both systems send a signal within a second of the ball crossing the line to the referee, who will retain the power to make the final call.
In Sunday's FA Cup clash, television replays quickly indicated that Mata's shot at the start of the second half didn't cross the line when it was bundled clear by Tottenham defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto, who was lying on the turf on the goal line in a scramble.
