MLS says no to goal-line technology

Goal-line technology will not be introduced in Major League Soccer after officials decided it was too expensive and said they needed to prioritise how money was spent.



The Premier League approved the use of HawkEye technology earlier this month, and the MLS had appeared set to follow suit.



League commissioner Don Garber - who had previously said the MLS was "open to using goal-line technology as soon as it is made available" - said it had now been decided that the price was too high.



Garber told the Associated Press that the cost of installing the GoalControl system, being used in the 2014 World Cup - $260,000 per stadium and $3,900 per game - had inspired a rethink.



"It had us take a step back and pause and try to figure out is the value of having goal-line technology worth investing millions and millions and millions of dollars for the handful of moments where it's relevant?'' he explained.



"And our view has been that we're going to wait and see how it works out. We certainly don't need to be the first league that has it.''



He said the MLS would be open to using other technological innovations but could only consider those approved by FIFA, world football's governing body.



"I'm a believer in technology and, if I were a king, we would have more technology in Major League Soccer and in our game,'' he added.



"But I'm not a king, I'm a subject - and unfortunately the league can't operate outside the confines of FIFA. So our ability to do unique and interesting things, like the other leagues in our country can do, is somewhat limited.''style="border-radius: 25px 25px 25px 25px; border: 5px solid rgb(204, 204, 204);"

Wembley set for technology

Goal-line technology looks set to be used in this year's Community Shield, with replays of decisions to be shown on television.

Football Association general secretary Alex Horne is confident the traditional Wembley curtain-raiser will see the controversial system in operation but stadium replays of incidents may not be permitted, despite clearance from FIFA.

The FA and the Premier League are tendering together for a system and are in advanced talks with two of the four licensed providers, including British-based firm Hawk-Eye.

Horne said: "We are in the middle of tendering at the moment with the Premier League, so it is effectively 20 Premier League clubs and Wembley Stadium.

"We are looking at the providers that are available and are looking at a couple and will be making a decision shortly. We expect the technology to be in place for next season, for the Community Shield."

As for replays, Horne said: "Certainly the broadcasters need to have that accessibility to show the goal-line incident because that's at the heart of the integrity of the decision that has been made.

"Whether you show it in the stadium falls in the 'controversial decision' element to me and we have not made a decision on that."

The Premier League have said goal-line technology systems will be mandatory in their clubs' stadiums, but Horne said it was still in the balance as to whether it would be used in FA Cup matches involving a top-flight side and one from a lower league.

He added: "My view is that it exists as an advantage for both teams.



"It will also be available for example for the play-offs next season at Wembley but it is a decision for the Football League whether they want to use it."